Bubba Watson believed that the golfing gods had conspired against him after missing a simple five-foot putt in a sudden-death play-off in the PGA Grand Slam at Port Royal.

The larger-than-life American carried a two-shot advantage into the 17th hole, having relentlessly chased down Kaymer, the overnight leader, with a streak of birdies on the back nine.

But with Kaymer erasing that deficit in the final two holes of regulation, the pair entered into a play-off on the 18th, the German making no mistake from his putt after both players had hit nice approach shots.

Watson’s putt was actually far closer to the hole, but he inexplicably missed, later speculating that a gust of wind had blown his shot off course.

“I thought I hit a great putt, stroked it well,” Watson said. “I’m guessing wind bounce, whatever you want to call it.

“There’s no way that ball should go that way, unless it’s wind forced. So, it was Martin’s time and not my time.”

While visibly miffed, Watson acknowledged that Kaymer had played the best golf and was more than deserving of the pink jacket and $600,000 cheque. Watson picked up a cool $400,000 for finishing runner-up.

“Martin played great for two days,” Watson said. “Somehow, I made that run of birdies on some tough holes in tough, windy conditions.

“So really, when you think about it, Martin played the best all week, putted well and hit a lot of solid shots.

“He didn’t really hit too many wayward shots and came away as the champion. I hit great putts, they just didn’t want to go in this week. That’s how golf is sometimes.”

Rory McIlroy, who finished third eight shots behind, said that he hoped the Grand Slam would return to Bermuda, having thoroughly enjoyed his two visits to the Island for the end-of-season event.

The Northern Irishman finished third at the Grand Slam in 2011, also at Port Royal.

“I’ve been here twice and really enjoyed both times,” he said. “Maybe the Grand Slam will come back to Bermuda in the future, who knows.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think the Grand Slam works well the way it is. It’s moving to another location next year, and hopefully I’m there again wherever it may be. The Grand Slam is about celebrating the Major champions of the year, and being able to come to Bermuda and play in a setting like this is fantastic.”

Jim Furyk, who propped up the elite foursome, finishing a stroke behind McIlroy, said that he was content with his overall performance although he believed he had putted “atrociously”.

“I did a lot of good things today,” Furyk said. “I hit the ball great, drove the ball in play, hit a lot of great iron shots, but I putted atrocious. I think we all did as a group. We really had a tough day on the greens.”

The 2003 US Open winner, who triumphed at the Grand Slam at Mid Ocean Club in 2008, beating Padraig Harrington in a sudden-death play-off, said that he was confident the PGA of America would pick an equally exotic destination as Bermuda to host the next event.

“The players tend to relax because of the setting and I think that’s kind of part of the PGA of America’s thinking,” Furyk said.

“I’ve always looked at it as a reward for winning a huge event. At the end of the year, it’s a reward to go to one of these island paradises and enjoy the stay.

“I have no idea where they’re headed next, I’m sure it’s not going to be a shoddy place. They always seem to pick some wonderful venues.”