Martin Kaymer has revealed that his move to LIV Golf has helped him understand who his true friends are after admitting his Saudi switch led to a number of friendships breaking down.

Kaymer was one of a number of stars who opted to make the move to the breakaway league in 2022, taking on the role of team captain with European outfit Cleeks GC. The German enjoyed an impressive career on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, landing 23 professional wins including the 2010 PGA Championship.

Just over two years on from his move to the LIV setup, Kaymer has opened up on how his decision went down among his fellow players who he competed alongside across his former tours.

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I wish everyone had treated each other in a respectful way back then, Kaymer said per Golf Digest. Had that happened, I would have missed a few people on the DP World Tour. But after the way we were treated, I soon discovered that most of the relationships I had were based on superficial stuff.

I have found out who my friends really are. I have had to listen to players who are on the board of the European Tour bad mouth me. They have talked so much crap about certain things. I have to laugh, especially as I saw them talking to LIV. They wanted to be here themselves. So while I respect them as players, do I miss them as people? Not really. Kaymer highlighted one specific incident with a fellow player after he made a return to the DP World Tour at the BMW International Open in the weeks following his initial move to LIV.

Another player who is on the DP World Tour board said some things to me after that event, Kaymer added. Right after that event, he told me that, had he been me, he would have taken the LIV contract and told everyone he wasnt ever going to play on the DP World Tour again. He said it was wrong for me to be there in Germany and play.

I found his view ridiculous, especially when I later saw him walking into a house in Florida to speak to Greg Norman. I mean, come on. Its a joke. He thought I shouldnt be able to play in my own country, in an event I have won, and in front of people who want me to be there. That was his position. And he did it in such an aggressive way. I mean, why did he even care? It is my career.

Kaymer currently has one open spot on his Cleeks roster for the 2024 campaign following the relegation of Kalle Samooja at the end of the 2024 season. Whilst the transfer is yet to be completed, the German has previously admitted he hoped to complete his four-man team by LIV Promotions later this month.