With the challengers failing to advance, Kaymer held playing partner Fowler at bay and went about obliterating any chance of these headlines making it to print with a performance of supreme German precision.
"He kind of killed the event in the first two days," said the vanquished Stenson. "And then it was more a question of if he would keep it under control. He held everyone off and then went out and played a solid round today.
"So very impressive and a very deserving champion."
Fowler, to his credit, was playing in his first final round major pairing and built on the swing changes he has made with coach Butch Harmon that also logged him a tied –fifth finish at the Masters Tournament in April.
He wore plus-twos - knickers, as he would call them - during Thursday’s first round to pay homage to the late Payne Stewart, but on Sunday he was back in his Oklahoma State-orange, replete with a maturing game that one suspects will one day take him to a major title.
"I felt really comfortable, which is a very good thing,” said Fowler. “The more experience you can get in the final groups, and especially in majors and [being] in contention at majors, it definitely helps out for down the road.”
Fowler had the early crowd support but as the final round unfolded and it became clear that he was not simply there to make up the numbers, the gallery were quick to share their support with Compton, the underdog.
"On every hole, from the tee box to the putting green, people were cheering for me and I definitely felt the love and the support from the crowd," said Compton, who is still in search of his first win on tour.
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