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After a magnificent first round 65 at the US Open, Martin Kaymer says he’s full of belief since winning the Players Championship, and feels great showing his critics he’s back on top.

“Obviously the Payers made a big difference on the confidence level,” said the German.

“You read over and over again in newspapers, on Facebook, on all those golf websites is he ever going to come back? Is he a one-hit wonder with a major win?”

“The pressure from all the media, the social media and all that stuff, which was kind of like annoying sometimes, because you can’t avoid listening to it or reading it.”

Martin Kaymer hits back at doubters

Kaymer insists he never doubted his ability and always knew he had the game to compete with the best, despite the doubters.

“I knew that it’s just crap. I was very secure about myself. I knew what I was doing.” – Martin Kaymer

“I can understand why people think like this. Which was just very nice for me that I knew deep inside that I never really doubted anything I’m doing.

“It was quite funny because I knew that it’s just crap. I was very secure about myself. I knew what I was doing.”

Martin Kaymer keeps emotions in check

Martin Kaymer’s name is at the top of the leaderboard at Pinehurst, and he takes a three-shot-lead into round two. However, the German is trying to keep his composure to ensure he stays in the hunt right to very end.

“That first round is a good start, but that’s it.” -Martin Kaymer

“I try to win as many majors in my career as possible. I won one so far, I put myself so far in a good position, but we have three rounds to go. There’s so much golf to play. The golf course will change a lot,” said Kaymer.

“You have to adjust a lot more. So that first round is a good start, but that’s it. There’s nothing more than that. If other people want to make more out of it it’s fine, but for me, it’s a great start into one of the most important weeks of the year.”

In round two Martin Kaymer tees-off with Jason Dufner and Keegan Bradley GMT.