Home hero Martin Kaymer, World Number Three Henrik Stenson and US PGA star Camilo Villegas have added their names to the 27th edition of the BMW International Open, which returns to Golfclub München Eichenried, in Munich, from June 25-28.
Two-time major winner Martin Kaymer will be bidding to secure the title for the second time in his career, having triumphed in 2008.
Stenson also has a victory on the BMW International Open on his resumé, whilst Villegas – a winner of four US PGA Tour titles, including the 2008 BMW Championship – will be making his debut in the tournament.
“In June, the BMW International Open returns to Munich, back to the home of the BMW headquarters and the city that first hosted the tournament more than a quarter of a century ago,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of Marketing BMW Germany, at the opening press conference held at BMW’s flagship showroom in Munich.
“No other European Tour event has been held under the same name for such a long time. This year, the eyes of the golfing world will once again be on Munich. With a high-class field and varied fringe programme, we will again thrill spectators and enrich the German sporting calendar with an excellent event.
"I am particularly pleased that we are able to present the new BMW 7 Series as the BMW hole-in-one award, even before its launch. That promises to be yet another highlight.”
Tournament Director Marco Kaussler added: “While Henrik Stenson and Martin Kaymer have been an institution at the BMW International Open for a long time, Camilo Villegas will be making his first appearance at this tournament.
“All three are genuine attractions for any golf fan, and we are delighted to be able to present them in Munich. The same goes for France’s Victor Dubuisson, who shone on both major professional tours and in the Ryder Cup last year, as well as Paul Casey and Thomas Bjørn, who have been permanent fixtures at both the BMW International Open and the top end of the World Ranking for many years.
“German hopes rest on strong shoulders: as well as Kaymer, Marcel Siem will also tee off as reigning BMW Masters champion, while Alex Cejka returns from the USA on the back of a success that has been a long time coming – his maiden title on the PGA Tour.”
As usual, spectators will only pay for admission at the weekend and fans will be able to follow their favourite players even closer this year, as Korbinian Kofler, Managing Director of GC München Eichenried, explained.
He said: “We have improved and extended the existing and popular spectator areas around the tees and greens. This will make the experience out on the course even better, and means that even more spectators will be able to follow the top flights. On top of that, we are also moving the first tee back by 30 metres. We are confident that this will make Eichenried even more attractive.”
The BMW International Open kicks off on the weekend of June 20-21 with the ‘Golf in the Park’ promotion. In co-operation with the Bavarian Golf Federation, a number of golfing activities for all ages and abilities will be on offer in Munich’s Olympic Park.
This is followed at 5pm on Tuesday June 23 by the Opening Show Event at GC München Eichenried, where six of the tournament’s top stars will take part in an entertaining competition. Details of these two events will be released closer to the date.
