The Loop

The lowdown on Martin Kaymer's low-tech training aid

*__Editor's Note:__This post first appeared on May 9, 2014, when Martin Kaymer was on his way to a win in the 2014 Players.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla__.__ -- Martin Kaymer has a simple explanation for the highly original swing aid given to him by longtime instructor Gunter Kessler.

"It's a smart way of being lazy," Kaymer said after his second round at the Players on Friday

The aid in question: a tennis ball attached to a credential lanyard. "It's just for your back swing, that you keep your arms together and that everything is very much connected," he said

There is also a functional purpose for expediting practice. Previously, Kaymer used the tennis ball without the laynard. "I think in the past you have that ball in between your forearms and the ball always flies away when you hit the shot," Kaymer said. "In that case, when you have the little necklace or whatever thing, it keeps it there. You don't need to walk to get the ball."

Kaymer followed his course-record tying round with a 69 Friday at TPC Sawgrass in surprisingly breezy early conditions to finish 36-holes at 12 under. The former World No. 1 has reverted to the fade that led him to prominence and the 2010 PGA Championship with the help of instructor Kessler of Noise Golf Club.

"It's the fade, it's my shot. Just accept it," Kaymer said of his German tendency to have sought the perfect all-around game. But at least in the world of instruction, Kessler may have found the perfect solution to the often difficult question of takeaway swing aids.

Here's some video of using the training device on the practice range at last month's Masters.