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Martin Kaymer came through his "toughest day" of golf to become the first German to win the US Open.

The 29-year-old beat Americans Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton to win by eight shots at Pinehurst on Sunday.

Kaymer, whose first major win came at the 2010 PGA Championship, posted a nine-under total of 271, the second lowest ever at the event.

"I would say it was probably the toughest day that I have played golf," said the Dusseldorf-born player.

"If you have Americans chasing you, it's never easy being a foreigner."

Kaymer, who received a standing ovation as he walked along the 18th fairway on the final day, added: "To win one major is already very nice in your career, but to win two, it means a lot more.

"Even though I don't feel like I need to prove anything to a lot of people, somehow it's quite satisfying to have two under your belt. I played really, really well on Thursday and Friday and that gave me a really nice cushion."

Kaymer built the joint-biggest halfway lead at a US Open by shooting back-to-back scores of 65 on the par 70 course which averaged more than 73 strokes during four days.

Consistently good putting helped ensure his lead was not cut below four strokes once in the final 46 holes and secured another prized victory after he won the prestigious Players Championship in May.

Kaymer, world number one in 2011, was outside the top 60 earlier this year, but his win at the Players Championship and success at Pinehurst are likely to secure a place just outside the top 10.

He now looks certain to achieve his season's goal of winning selection for Europe's Ryder Cup team and will be among the favourites for next month's Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

With his compatriot and mentor Bernhard Langer having won the Masters twice, the Open is the only major not to have been won by a German.

"Winning the PGA, winning this one now, I hope it will make Bernhard proud. I'm sure it will make all Germany proud," said kaymer.