Golf: German Martin Kaymer wins US Open by eight shots

Martin Kaymer of Germany hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of the 114th US Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Course No. 2 on June 15, 2014 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. -- PHOTO: AFP
Martin Kaymer of Germany hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of the 114th US Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Course No. 2 on June 15, 2014 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. -- PHOTO: AFP

PINEHURST, United States (AFP) - Germany's Martin Kaymer won the 114th US Open on Sunday, firing a final-round one-under par 69 to complete a wire-to-wire triumph by an eight-stroke margin at Pinehurst.

Kaymer, who won his second major title after his 2010 PGA Championship victory finished 72 holes on nine-under 271, the second-lowest total in US Open history.

Americans Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton shared second on 279, each after firing final-round 72s.

Kaymer became only the seventh player to win after leading every round, joining a select champions' list that includes Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, James Barnes and Tony Jacklin.

The 29-year-old from Dusseldorf became the first man from continental Europe to win the US Open crown and the fourth European winner in five seasons.

Kaymer followed his US Open record-low start of back-to-back 65s with a 72 to lead by five entering the last round and then managed his edge to the end.

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