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The only German winner of the BMW International Open to
date, Martin Kaymer, to return to München-Eichenried in June. -
All the other six Germans on the European Tour will also be
in action: Marcel Siem, Max Kieffer, Florian Fritsch, Bernd
Ritthammer, Alexander Knappe and Sebastian Heisele. -
Tickets available at
http://tickets.bmw-golfsport.com
.
Munich. In a history spanning almost 30 years, the BMW
International Open has only produced one German winner: Martin
Kaymer triumphed in 2008, when the tournament celebrated its
20th anniversary at Golfclub München-Eichenried. This
year, the 32-year-old will return to the scene of that success, as
he bids to claim a second title. The three-time Ryder Cup winner
will be joined at the BMW International Open (21st to
25th June) by the remaining six German pros playing their
golf on the European Tour this season.
“I am already looking forward to the BMW International Open in
Munich,” said Kaymer. “It is particularly nice for me to play in front
of the home fans in my native Germany. Furthermore, the victory at the
2008 BMW International Open will always remain a very special title
for me – that is why I am always so pleased to return to this
fantastic tournament.”
Kaymer defeated Denmark’s Anders Hansen in a play-off in 2008,
following a real rollercoaster ride of a final round. However, he held
his nerve at the crucial moment to overcome Hansen on the first extra
hole, in front of a sea of black, red and gold flags. Kaymer was just
23 years and 177 days old at the time, and remains the youngest player
ever to win the prestigious tournament.
This season, no fewer than seven German pros have earned their
European Tour cards – and German golf fans can watch them all in
action in Munich. BMW Golfsport Ambassador Max Kieffer has played in
the top echelon of European golf since 2013. His best result to date
at the BMW International Open was 29th place in 2015. The
tournament is a real home event for BMW “Friends of the Brand” Florian
Fritsch and Bernd Ritthammer: Fritsch was born in Munich, while
Ritthammer, whose 16th place made him the best-placed
German at last year’s BMW International Open, lives in the Bavarian capital.
Marcel Siem also has roots in Eichenried. His mother was responsible
for catering at the club from 1988 onwards, while Siem was the club’s
youth champion on two occasions. This is not the only reason that
victory at the BMW International Open would mean so much to the
36-year-old. He came torturously close to winning the title in 2012,
when he finished tied in sixth place, just two shots behind Danny
Willett (ENG).
Alexander Knappe and Sebastian Heisele are in their first season on
the European Tour. Two wins and third place overall were sufficient to
see Knappe promoted from the Challenge Tour last year. Heisele secured
his Tour card at Qualifying School.
Kaymer, winner of the 2010 PGA Championship and the 2014 U.S. Open,
will be joined by another major winner, in the form of Henrik Stenson,
who confirmed his attendance back in December. The Swede is the
reigning Open champion and defending champion at the BMW International
Open – a tournament he has won twice already (2006, 2016). The two
major winners will receive stern opposition from a strong Spanish
trio: Sergio García, Pablo Larrazábal and Rafa Cabrera-Bello.
Admission is free from Wednesday to Friday, while under 15s enjoy
free entry on all days. Tickets for the weekend and the Fairway Club
can be ordered online: http://tickets.bmw-golfsport.com