Rookie Kieffer inspired by Kaymer

Maximilian Kieffer admitted to being motivated by the exploits of Martin Kaymer as his impressive arrival on The European Tour continued at the Joburg Open.

The Challenge Tour graduate shot an eight under par 63 to grab a share of the first round lead alongside Richard Sterne at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington’s West Course.

The bogey-free display was the latest in a string of impressive showings by the 22 year old German, who finished fourth at the Nelson Mandela Championship presented by ISPS Handa and tied 17th in Dubai last week.

Kieffer hails from Dusseldorf, the same city as former US PGA Champion and Ryder Cup hero Kaymer, and admits the former World Number One has helped him reassess his career goals.

“He’s a role model,” said Kieffer.

“When you look back six years ago winning Majors looked really far away. When Martin did it, a guy from Dusseldorf, he really showed what is possible with hard work.”

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