Martin Kaymer wins USPGA

Germany's Martin Kaymer has won his first Major at the 92nd USPGA Championship in Wisconsin, on a controversial final day's play that saw America's Dustin Johnson penalised on the 72nd hole for grounding his club in the sand

Martin Kaymer, USPGA winner

Martin Kaymer overcame the drama of Dustin Johnson's two-shot penalty to beat Bubba Watson in a thrilling play-off to win the 92nd USPGA Championship, the German's first Major.

Kaymer's final-round 70 included three birdies and just the one bogey, but his 20-foot par putt on the 72nd hole proved crucial as he went on to defeat a charging Bubba Watson in a three-hole play-off.

The season's final Major was full of drama with Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy coming close once again to claiming his first Major title, but a string of missed birdie putts would prove costly, the Ulsterman eventually settling for a share of third spot with America's Zach Johnson.

Overnight leader Nick Watney, opened up with a double-bogey and he never recovered which opened the way for a number of other players, including veteran Steve Elkington, winner of the 1995 USPGA, who eventually finished in a tie for fifth.

Johnson had the lead on 18 at -12 and had a putt for what he thought he was the title. Moments later he was told of his penalty after grounding his club on his approach to 18, leaving Kaymer and Watson to battle it out.

It was the American who turned the screw with a birdie on the first play-off hole, before Kaymer struck back with a two on 17.

However, the notoriously difficult 18th took care of Watson's chances as he found the creek and despite nearly holing from the sand soon after, Kaymer deservedly lifted the Wanamaker Trophy.

Kaymer, said: "It was an amazing feeling on 18 with two putts to win - that felt pretty cool. I don't realise what has just happened - I just won my first major and I am just on Tour for four years. I have goosebumps."

Where next?

Golf blogs: USPGA blogs from Whistling Straits Competitions: What can you win right now?

The leading website from the world’s oldest golf magazine, we’re the go-to destination for amateur and keen golfers alike who are keen to up their golfing game. As well as expert course reviews, news and tips to improve your handicap our golf-focused travel content will help you pair teeing off with your travels in some of the best destinations around the globe.