Day one digest: BMW International Open

Weather delays did little to dampen the spirits of big crowds as the BMW International Open produced a host of thrills and spills on day one at Golfclub München Eichenried.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday in Munich.

There's a storm coming

The weather forecast had predicted a chance of storms in Munich and so it proved, with play being delayed at 4.21pm due to the threat of lightning. Heavy rain followed but the incredible groundstaff in Germany went straight to work and this wonderful layout remains in magnificent shape. Want to see what they had to deal with as we lost two hours and 54 minutes of play? Here's European Tour winner and amateur weatherman Chris Paisley.

Kaymer delights bumper crowds

In 2008, Martin Kaymer claimed the first two of his 11 European Tour titles and the second one came here in Munich, sparking a love affair with the German fans that still exists today. He has given them plenty to cheer about down the years, winning two Major Championships, the Race to Dubai and becoming World Number One as well as his heroics at the Miracle of Medinah. His last victory came five years at the U.S.Open Championship but he showed signs of his best on Thursday, carding a 67 to get those German fans cheering again. “As a German it’s rare that we have these chances," he said. "It’s also a little bit tricky. You know this will happen because I’ve played here for 15 years or so, it leads to a little adjustment on the first few holes, but it’s very fun."

Pavan finds his form

Andrea Pavan had his long awaited breakthrough on the European Tour in 2018 as the two time Challenge Tour and Qualifying School graduate claimed his maiden win at the D+D Real Czech Masters. He hasn't quite rediscovered that form in 2019 but Germany brought the best out of him as he carded a 66 for his best round of the season and his best opening round since last season's KLM Open. “It’s nice being in this position," he said. "My first round scoring has been pretty poor this year. This puts me in a good spot, I just need to keep playing well and stick to the game plan.”

Every day is a school day for Wallace

When you're leading the Race to Dubai, have four European Tour wins and sit 24th in the Official World Golf Ranking, it would be pretty easy to get complacent as a golfer. But not all golfers are Matt Wallace. The defending champion is playing Golfclub München Eichenried for the first time after winning in Cologne last year but has experienced caddie David McNeilly to help him. He has an expanded team around him and feels he is picking up experience all time, not least from playing with World Number One Brooks Koepka last week. Wallace carded an opening 69 in Germany and believes it is all part of the process. "Ultimately I have to play my own shot and take responsibility," he said. "That’s what I’m starting to do and starting to learn - you can’t blame anyone else. I thought I controlled my emotions today well, so I’m happy with that."

Ollie finds red numbers

José María Olazábal's place as a European Tour great has long been assured, with two Majors among his 23 wins and a winning performance at the helm of the Ryder Cup Team that pulled off the Miracle of Medinah. Injuries have had a big effect on the latter years of his career so everybody in Munich was delighted when the 53-year-old Spaniard fired his first under par round on the European Tour since the 2017 Portugal Masters with a 71. It's true what they say - class is permanent.