Pulheim. History was made at the BMW International
Open (23rd to 26th June at GC Gut Lärchenhof), when two twins teed off
at the same tournament for the first time in the history of the
European Tour. Jeremy and Yannik Paul gained valuable experience on
the opening day of the 28th BMW International Open, where they teed
off in successive groups just ten minutes apart. Unlike when they were
born, when Jeremy arrived on the scene one minute before his brother,
Yannik was first onto the first tee on Thursday. He carded a round of
73 (+1), just one shot more than Jeremy, who went round the
Championship Course in level par (72).
“It is great to be the first twins on the European Tour,” said Jeremy
after his opening 18 holes. “We were delighted to have the opportunity
to play here together. I caddied for my brother in 2015, when he
played at the BMW International Open. As such, I had a bit of an idea
what to expect from the tournament. I was a little nervous on the
first few holes, but the nerves disappeared then. I really enjoyed it today.”
Like his brother Yannik, the older of the Paul twins, who are both
members of Golf Team Germany, plays for GC Mannheim-Viernheim in the
first division of the German Golf League (DGL). However, he has also
been causing a stir in America, as part of the University of Colorado
golf team. Jeremy holds a host of university records, including the
most sub-60 rounds, the most rounds under par, and the best average
round. The 22-year-old has already decided he will turn pro in the
future. “I will probably turn pro a little before my brother,” said
Jeremy. “I have another year of college to complete, then I will
decide whether to go professional in America or Europe.”
Yannik also plays for GC Mannheim-Viernheim in the DGL and spent two
years with his brother at the University of Colorado. After returning
to his native Germany for a while, he will now return to America to
continue his studies there. He also has his sights set on turning pro.
“I would obviously like to play here on the European Tour,” said
Yannik. “That is why it is so fantastic to be able to gain experience
at a tournament like this.”
He made his BMW International Open debut in 2015, but missed the cut.
However, things are looking up this time around. “I am very optimistic
about tomorrow. I believe I am definitely good enough to make the cut.
The goal is certainly to still be in the tournament come Sunday,” said
Yannik. He and his brother will discover their plans for the weekend
on Friday, when they head out onto the Championship Course at Golf
Club Gut Lärchenhof for the second round of the BMW International Open.