German wunderkind Martin Kaymer heads the short list of late qualifiers for the 2008 Masters Tournament.

While the other two late qualifiers -- Justin Leonard and Peter Lonard -- are Masters veterans, the 23-year-old Kaymer has burst onto the international pro golf scene and will be making his Augusta National debut.

"When you see what he's done in the past couple of months, it is pretty impressive," said fellow German Alex Cejka, who teamed with Kaymer to tie for sixth in the 2007 World Cup. "If he can keep it up, it's going to be a bright future."

In the past four months, Kaymer has been named the European Tour's 2007 rookie of the year, won that tour's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January, and was runner-up to Tiger Woods in the Dubai Desert Classic two weeks later.

At this time last year, Kaymer was 126th in the Official World Golf Ranking. At the end of 2007, he was 76th. In the week before the Masters, he was 26th.

"It has happened quickly; I was in school three years ago," Kaymer said. "Now I can play in the Masters. Everything was very, very quick.

"Times have changed," Kaymer said. "A lot of people ask me if I'm surprised at how fast everything goes. But if you're focusing on your goals, then good things will happen."

Kaymer qualified for the Masters by being ranked in the top 50 as of March 31, as did Leonard (35) and Lonard (46).

Daniel Chopra, D.J. Trahan, J.B. Holmes, Steve Lowery and Sean O'Hair had already earned invitations by winning PGA Tour events this year.

The winner of today's Houston Open, if not otherwise qualified, will receive the final invitation.

The quick success doesn't surprise Kaymer, who had "no doubts I could do it. It's a big advantage that I can have this kind of experience this early in my career. It's not going too quick. I still feel very comfortable. I think I can handle everything."

Said Cejka: "His game is impressive. He's not only a great player but a great guy. He knows what he wants. He's driving the ball long and straight. Great short game. He has a great future ahead of him."

Kaymer's golf idol growing up wasn't fellow German Bernhard Langer. Rather, he liked South Africa's Ernie Els because of his "fancy swing and nice character."

Kaymer was paired with Els in the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic in February, and shot 66 to Els' 71.

Afterward, Els said, "You've got to watch this kid play. He's going to be something, I promise you. He's long. He's got a great touch. You'll see a lot of him."

"I read a little bit about it," Kaymer said of the praise that has been heaped on him. "It's always nice to hear this kind of thing about your person. It's small proof of your practicing. It's always good if you hear positive words from these kind of players."

Meanwhile, Langer's success in major championships came before Kaymer's time. When Langer won his second Masters title, in 1993, Kaymer was 8 years old. He didn't take up golf until he was 10.

"Bernhard Langer did a lot for the German golf, and I try to also," Kaymer said.

Kaymer said there has been talk about setting up a practice round with Langer. Cejka, a two-time Masters participant who isn't in the tournament this year, knows it would benefit Kaymer.

"The first time in Augusta is always tough," said Cejka, who shot 73-71-78-80--302 in his debut in 1996, finishing 44th. "It depends how many practice rounds he's going to play and how smart he's going to play. I told him, 'It's going to be tough; you're going to love it.' "

Kaymer said the hole he can't wait to play is the par-3 16th at Augusta National. That's where Tiger Woods made the miraculous chip-in for birdie that helped him win the 2005 Masters.

"It was very impressive," Kaymer said.

Reach David Westin at (706) 823-3224 or david.westin@augustachronicle.com.