Munich/Cologne. The 30th BMW International Open boasts a
top-quality field of competitors. Martin Kaymer (GER) and Sergio
García (ESP) have already confirmed their participation to mark
the anniversary of the tournament and they will be joined by
another top-class Major winner, Ernie Els (RSA). They will be
alongside Thomas Bjørn (DEN), who is hoping to lead Europe to
Ryder Cup glory in September, Stephan Jäger (GER), who normally
only appears on the PGA TOUR, local heroes Max Kieffer and Marcel
Siem, as well as Austria’s top golfer Bernd Wiesberger. Race to
Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) will be teeing off in Cologne
too. Golf fans can also look forward to an exciting week away from
the greens and fairways.
The stars.
A good omen for Martin Kaymer and Ernie Els? These two Major
winners also claimed victory in the two previous anniversary
tournaments. In 2008, Kaymer became the only German pro to do so,
winning the 20th BMW International Open. Five years later, the South
African star received the accolade after his victory. Bjørn has also
secured a spot on the list of winners – with two triumphs (2000,
2002). Last year, Garcia missed out by just one stroke. Currently
tenth in the world rankings, the Spaniard is one of the favourites
to claim the coveted title, as is Tommy Fleetwood, who topped the
European Tour standings in 2017 and is now 13th in the world.
German golf fans can also look forward to seeing a homegrown
shooting star who now rarely appears in Germany. Munich-born Stephan
Jäger was able to qualify for the PGA TOUR this season. BMW
Golfsport Ambassador Max Kieffer and Marcel Siem will reinforce the
German contingent. Both hail from the Rhineland region and are
especially looking forward to this “home game”. Bernd Wiesberger,
who finished T24 at last week’s Masters, is hoping to claim his
first title at a BMW tournament.
The tournament week.
The BMW International Open is much more than just a
world-class golf tournament. In the course of its 30-year existence,
it has also made a name for itself as an industry get-together, an
opportunity to experience the world of BMW and a feel-good event. Of
course, there is also plenty of room for sheer driving pleasure.
Visitors can experience the first BMW X2 and many more BMW X models
at the BMW xDrive Parcours. BMW i and BMW Hybrid models demonstrate
how much pleasure electromobility can bring with free charging
available at stations in the tournament location for those who are
already using future-oriented, electric transport. Powerful BMW M
cars and the BMW 7 series provide more highlights in the BMW exhibition.
Golf is not given short shrift – there are plenty of
activities for children and adults, as well as more than 50
exhibitors with information about current trends. The covered event
zone is the heart of the public area, boasting a digital scoreboard
and a video wall. From Thursday to Sunday, a DJ and a live act will
provide atmosphere as the day draws to a close. On Saturday, the
acclaimed cover band “Decoy” will be on stage until the World Cup
group match between Germany and Sweden kicks off.
Admission prices and tickets.
Tickets are available at www.bmw-golfsport.com/tickets.
Admission is free from Wednesday to Friday, while children aged 15
and under benefit from free entry on all days of the tournament. Day
tickets for Saturday or Sunday are available for 30 Euros, while a
season ticket for the entire weekend costs 45 Euros. VIP tickets for
the Fairway Club can be purchased for 225 Euros (Thursday or Friday)
or 345 Euros (Saturday or Sunday).
The partners.
Tournament organiser BMW would like to thank Main Partners
Emirates, Hilton, Rolex and Süddeutsche Zeitung, as well as
Corporate Partners Allianz, Bowers Wilkins, BOWMORE, HUGO
BOSS, Julius Bär, Konica Minolta and SAP.