World number one golfer Martin Kaymer and three time Olympic medallist Steve Backley went head to head in a multisport play off from Wentworth Club’s first tee today as part of the build up to the BMW PGA Championship from May 26-29.
With a wedge and javelin respectively in their hands, Kaymer and Backley put their accuracy to the test in an attempt to land their shot nearest the pin which, at 65 metres down the first fairway, was comfortably within their reach.
Despite Kaymer’s drives averaging over 260 metres and Backley having a world record breaking throw of 91.46metres to his name, precision rather than distance was the aim for the BMW Nearest the Pin challenge. In the end, the German golfer prevailed, winning the challenge by 3-0.
Kaymer said: “I have hit off the first tee several times at Wentworth, but today’s experience was definitely the most unusual. It was great to meet Steve and see him in action. He’s as passionate about his sport and the Olympic Games as I am about golf and from swapping stories, I can appreciate what a fantastic event London 2012 will be.”
Backley added: “Despite no longer competing, my competitive streak is as strong as ever - although I actually hit more golf balls than throw javelins these days. Martin’s a great, young talent and we had a lot of fun today. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action here next month in the BMW PGA Championship - another great event to be staged in Britain, ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.”
BMW has been title sponsor of the BMW PGA Championship since 2005, and was chosen as the Official Automotive Partner of London 2012 last year. Steve Backley is also a member of the BMW London 2012 Performance Team, an initiative designed to provide Team GB and ParalympicsGB with support as they prepare for the Games on and off the field.
Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK commented, “We have a strong heritage in golf at BMW and are the only brand to be involved in The European Tour, The Ryder Cup and the US PGA Tour. We also host the BMW Golf Cup International, for BMW owners, which attracts over 100,000 golfers from 50 countries worldwide.
“We have a great line up for this year’s BMW PGA Championship, with the current holders of all four Major Championships competing next month. We are also incredibly proud to be involved as Official Automotive Partner for London 2012 and to be supporting several of our athletes through the BMW London 2012 Performance Team programme.”
Photos of the BMW Nearest the Pin Challenge and a video of Martin Kaymer and Steve Backley in action are available to view onwww.facebook.com/bmwuk.
Tickets are now on sale for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club from May 26-29, 2011, here. Hospitality packages in ‘The Clubhouse’ are also available. Please visitwww.europeantour.com/ticketsor call +44 800 023 2557.
