World number one golfer Martin Kaymer and three time Olympic medallist Steve Backley went head to head in a multisport play-off from Wentworth Club’s first tee yesterday. With wedge and javelin in hand, Kaymer and Backley put their accuracy to the test in an attempt to land their shot nearest the pin at the venue for the BMW PGA Championship from May 26 – 29.
Both athletes were given three attempts to hit the pin which, at 60 metres, was comfortably within their reach. Despite Kaymer’s drives averaging over 260m and Backley having a world record breaking throw of 91.46m to his name, precision rather than distance was the aim for the BMW Nearest the Pin challenge. With all shots taken, Kaymer was announced the overall winner, beating Backley with a comprehensive score of 3-0.
Martin Kaymer said: “I have hit off the first tee several times at Wentworth, but yesterday’s experience was definitely the most unusual. It was great to meet Steve and see him in action. He’s as passionate about his sport and the Olympic Games as I am about golf and from swapping stories, I can appreciate what a fantastic event London 2012 will be.”
Steve Backley added: “Despite no longer competing, my competitive streak is as strong as ever – although I actually hit more golf balls than throw javelins these days. Martin’s a great, young talent and we had a lot of fun on the course yesterday. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action here next month in the BMW PGA Championship – another great event to be staged in Britain, ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.”
