The European Tour’s partnership with BMW in Germany for the BMW International Open has been extended through to 2014 as a star-studded field is unveiled for the 2010 edition.
Golf fans will be treated to a feast of great golf for the 22nd BMW International Open at Golfclub Munich Eichenried from June 24-27, 2010, with three of the world’s top ten players already committed.
England’s Paul Casey , the World Number Seven, South African Ernie Els, World Number Eight, and Germany’s World Number Nine,Martin Kaymer, will be up against the defending champion Nick Dougherty of England and countless world-class players as they look to secure a share of the €2 million prize money and one of the most prestigious titles on the European Tour
Tournament President Karsten Engel, said: “We have been involved in the BMW International Open as partner and organiser since 1989. We are very proud of this continuity and the excellent reputation the tournament enjoys around the world.”
This extension means that Germany retains its only tournament on The European Tour. “We are pleased to be able to offer the many golf fans in this country another four years of thrilling, world-class golf.”
Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference at BMW Welt in Munich, Kaymer said: “I am conscious that it will be harder than ever to win the BMW International Open with a top-class field like this.
“But it goes without saying that I will still give it my very best shot. I have a lot of good memories of this course."
At the 20th anniversary of the tournament two years ago, Kaymer became the first German to win the BMW International Open. Last year, however, he missed the cut. “I have a score to settle,” he said.
The 21st BMW International Open was won by Dougherty in 2009. The defending champion also travelled to Munich on Wednesday, and is glad to think back to last year.
“That was the most important victory of my career so far,” said Dougherty. “I will never forget how I came through to win against Major winners like Bernhard Langer and Retief Goosen in the final round. It goes without saying that I can hardly wait to get back on the course in Eichenried.”
As with Kaymer last year, Dougherty could make tournament history this June, as no player has yet managed to successfully defend his title at the BMW International Open in 21 tournaments.
Even at a very early stage, an extraordinary number of top players have accepted the invitation to the 2010 BMW International Open. Alongside 2009 BMW PGA Championship winner Casey and three-time Major winner Els, who already has two tournament victories to his name this year, Spain’s Sergio García will also tee off in Eichenried.
Meanwhile, Germany’s double Masters champion Bernhard Langer will be going all out to finally win his home tournament at the 20th attempt, having already finished runner-up on five occasions. Another world-class professional and experienced Ryder Cup player returns to Eichenried this year, in the form of 1997 winner Robert Karlsson (Sweden).
This year’s BMW International Open will also be played under the motto “100 days to go” as just 100 days after the tournament in Munich, The Ryder Cup – the biggest team event in international golf – will tee off on October 1, 2010 at the Celtic Manor Resort in the City of Newport, Wales. The BMW International Open is an outstanding opportunity for the top players to pick up important points in the race for the coveted places in the two teams. Europe’s Captain Colin Montgomerie of Scotland will be able to watch the tournament at close hand. The 1999 winner has also confirmed his start place at the 2010 BMW International Open.
BMW will be represented as Ryder Cup Partner and Official Car in Wales. BMW is the only brand in the world to be represented on the US PGA Tour (BMW Championship), The European Tour (BMW PGA Championship, BMW International Open, BMW Italian Open) and at The Ryder Cup. This makes BMW the most important global player in the world of golf.
