-
The highlight of the largest international tournament series
for golfing amateurs ended with Thailand triumphing in the
National Team Category once again. -
Golfing legend Gary Player hands over the trophy and
delights the participants from 37 nations with a golf clinic. -
A golf tournament at pro level and a exciting supporting
programme underline the motto “Once in A Lifetime” in an
impressive manner. -
BMW works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) experienced “sport how
it should be” as a guest.
George. Around 100,000 enthusiastic amateur golfers took part
in the BMW Golf Cup International around the world and dreamed of
qualifying for the World Final. The dream of 109 of those golfers
came true in George, South Africa this week. At the Montagu and
Outeniqua golf courses, designed by guest of honour Gary Player
(RSA), they competed for the coveted title. Team Thailand ended the
tournament at the top of the team standings. Nine-time Majors’
winner Player presented players from Thailand, Taiwan and Australia
with the winner trophies for the individual rankings at the closing
gala dinner.
“The motto for the World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International is
‘once in a lifetime’. In South Africa, the participants and their
guests discovered just how impressively relevant this motto is, and
experienced what the BMW brand stands for,” said Christian Masanz,
Head of BMW Golfsport Marketing. “On behalf of BMW, I would like to
congratulate Team Thailand and the three individual winners on their
titles at the 28th World Final, and to congratulate all the
participants on their fantastic performances.”
The Thai team was in a class of its own at the Fancourt Resort,
located in the stunning region at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains,
and ruled the event as it defended the title won last year in Dubai
(UAE) with 328 points (Stableford, net), ahead of team Malaysia (305)
and team China (290).
Among the Ladies, Min Hui Huang (Taiwan, 114) prevailed over
second-placed Thanith Iam-Asa (Thailand, 107) by a clear margin. Third
place was tied by South Korea’s Eunkyung An and Zeynep Alp of Turkey
(both 101). In the Men I category, a thrilling final round saw
Thailand’s Prakran Sappadungchon (109) catch Shah Rizan Ahmad (107) of
Malaysia who had lead the first two days. In third place was China’s
Guanzhong Chen (100).
Kiriakos Miltos enjoyed success in almost everything this week. The
Australian started the World Final with a hole in one in the practice
round and ended it as the winner of the Men II category. With 120
points, he left Austria’s Johannes Jaindl (114) and Sompong Kantha
(Thailand, 112) in the shade.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate the winners on a fantastic
performance. Even qualifying for the World Final is an outstanding
achievement in itself. It was an honour for me to attend this event in
our beautiful home country, and especially at Fancourt which is so
close to my heart,” said Player. “The BMW Golf Cup International has
everything that makes our sport so special: exciting and yet demanding
courses which I am proud to have designed, high-class competition, but
also respect for each other and the opportunity to make new
friendships and have a great time together. This has always been and
remains very important to me – it was wonderful to have the
opportunity to experience this camaraderie at the World Final.”
The 82-year-old was responsible for one of the highlights of the
World Final as he delighted the participants and their guests with his
legendary charm, astonishing fitness and infectious warmth at a golf
clinic. The clinic was part of the extensive supporting programme with
which BMW spoiled the starters and around 150 additional invited
guests over the course of the week. The highlights in the free time
ranged from BMW xDrive tours, through encounters with lions, elephants
and other wild animals, to impressive experiences of South African
culture and scenery.
Among the guests who got to experience all this was BMW works driver
Bruno Spengler, who enthused about his visit to South Africa. “This
was the first time that I was able to attend the World Final. I’m
impressed, and not just because I am a keen golfer,” said the 2012 DTM
champion. “I know the passion and perfection that BMW puts into
organising events from motorsport so it was fantastic to be able to
experience it at this unique golf tournament. Being able to share this
experience with people from so many different countries makes it even
better. That’s how sport should be.”