No. 1 Kaymer distances himself from big-name German sporting greats

Despite rising to the No. 1 spot in the world rankings, Martin Kaymer insissts that he’s nothing like German sporting greats such as socer star Franz Beckenbauer, tennis ace Boris Becker or Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.

The 26-year-old replaced Lee Westwood at the top of the world rankings a week ago, but Kaymer doesn’t enjoy being compared to his fellow big-name compatriots.

"Such comparisons do not honestly sit well with me at all,” he told the Cologne Express newspaper in Germany. “Those three dominated their sports for decades and inspired a whole country."

However, Kaymer admitted to being proud of his latest accolade.

"I had planned, of course, to one day be at the top, but the fact it has happened at the start of the season is not something I would have even dreamed of,” he said. "I want to keep playing successfully, win further titles, defend others and stay for as long as I can at No. 1."

Meanwhile, fellow German golfer Bernhard Langer believes Kaymer's rise to prominence is great news for the sport in his homeland.

"I think it's wonderful,” Langer said. “It's what German golf needs. He's a great role model. I hope he stays up there for many, many years."