Four-time major winner Ernie Els returns to München-Eichenried (21st – 25th June) for first time since his win in 2013
Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn sets sights on BMW International Open hattrick
Tough opposition for Open champion Henrik Stenson, Masters winner Sergio García and Martin Kaymer
Free admission from Wednesday to Friday, weekend tickets available at http://tickets.bmw-golfsport.com
The 29th BMW International Open (21st – 25th June 2017, GC München Eichenried) promises to be an outstanding sporting event. Already boasting an embarrassment of riches, the field has become even more attractive with the confirmation that it will also feature multiple major winners Ernie Els (RSA) and José Maria Olazábal (ESP), current European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn (DEN), and the in-form Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) and Tommy Fleetwood (ENG).
Defending champion Henrik Stenson (SWE), Sergio García (ESP), Martin Kaymer (GER), all six other German players on the European Tour, and Spanish pair Pablo Larrazábal and Rafa Cabrera-Bello had already confirmed they would be teeing off in Munich.
“German golf fans can look forward to world-class sport at the 2017 BMW International Open,” said Friedrich Edel, Head of Sport Marketing BMW Germany. “We are proud to be able to present the reigning champions of the two most prestigious majors, in Henrik Stenson and Sergio García, as well as Germany’s top golfer Martin Kaymer.
The whole field is brimming with quality. Together with the elite of the German golf scene, the addition of Ernie Els, José Maria Olazábal, Thomas Bjørn, Bernd Wiesberger and Tommy Fleetwood ensures there is an attractive mix of legends and rising stars.”
When the iconic tournament celebrated its 25th anniversary four years ago, Els and Bjørn were embroiled in a captivating duel in the final round, at the end of which the four-time major winner from South Africa emerged triumphant to celebrate his first title at a BMW tournament. Bjørn narrowly missed out on his third victory at the BMW International Open, having previously won in 2000 and 2002. However, he will be back this year for another crack at the hattrick – as will Larrazábal (2011, 2013) and Stenson (2006, 2016).
Olazábal also made tournament history when he hit the first albatross ever witnessed at the tournament – and the first of his glittering career – on the 11th hole in 2001.
Austria’s BMW Golfsport Ambassador Wiesberger and BMW UK “Friend of the Brand” Fleetwood underlined just how well they are currently playing on the European Tour a few weeks ago at the Shenzhen International, when Wiesberger defeated the Englishman in a play-off. However, Fleetwood has also claimed an important title this season, winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and condemning world number one Dustin Johnson (USA) to second place in the process.
Given the high-class competition at the BMW International Open, all the favourites will have to be at the top of their game again if they are to lift the trophy and pick up the winner’s cheque for 333,330 Euros (total prize money: 2.0 million Euros). Furthermore, the first pro to hit a hole-in-one on the 17th hole will be rewarded with the spectacular BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition.
This year, the BMW International Open will again be supported by long-term main partners Emirates, Rolex and Süddeutsche Zeitung. Allianz, Antenne Bayern, Bowers & Wilkins, Bowmore, Hilton, Julius Bär, Konica Minolta and SAP will also be involved as corporate partners.
Admission is free from Wednesday to Friday, while children and young persons up to and including 15 years of age pay nothing on all days. Tickets for the weekend and the Fairway Club can be ordered online:
http://tickets.bmw-golfsport.com
