Kaymer birdies first sudden death hole to beat Watson in Grand Slam of golf title

German golf ace Martin Kaymer beat American golf ace Bubba Watson to the Grand Slam of Golf title in Bermuda by birding the first sudden death hole.

The US Open champion sunk a seven-foot putt in the play-off while Watson missed from close range on the 18th. Both men finished their rounds on six under, though Watson had held a two-shot lead standing on the 17th tee.

Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy hit five bogeys and double-bogeyed the par-three 13th to finish on a disappointing two over par, while Jim Furyk finished on three over, The BBC reported.

The annual 36-hole event features each year's four major champions, with Furyk invited because of Northern Ireland star McIlroy's double triumph in 2014.

Kaymer held a two-shot lead over Watson following the first round on Tuesday after carding a six-under-par round of 65. The German hit four birdies and four bogeys in a level-par second round before holding his nerve in the play-off.

Masters champion Watson hit a run of birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes to take a two-shot lead, but a wayward tee shot at the next hole hampered his chances as he dropped a shot on the par-five 17th.

Kaymer birded the same hole and both players parred the last to force the play-off.

Two nice approach shots to the 18th green set up a putting contest on the first play-off hole, and Watson was unable to follow in Kaymer's birdie, missing his attempt from five feet, the report added.