In a history spanning almost 30 years, the BMW International Open has only produced one German winner, Martin Kaymer who triumphed in 2008, when the tournament celebrated its 20th anniversary at Golfclub München-Eichenried.
This year, the 32 year old will return to the scene of that success, as he bids to claim a second title. The three-time Ryder Cup winner will be joined at the BMW International Open from June 21-25 by the six other Germans plying their trade on the European Tour this season.
“I am already looking forward to the BMW International Open in Munich,” said Kaymer. “It is particularly nice for me to play in front of the home fans in my native Germany. Furthermore, the victory at the 2008 BMW International Open will always remain a very special title for me – that is why I am always so pleased to return to this fantastic tournament.”
Kaymer defeated Denmark’s Anders Hansen in a play-off in 2008, following a real rollercoaster ride of a final round. He held his nerve at the crucial moment to overcome Hansen on the first extra hole, in front of a sea of black, red and gold flags. Kaymer was just 23 years and 177 days old at the time, and remains the youngest player ever to win the prestigious tournament.
This season, no fewer than seven Germans have earned their European Tour cards – and German golf fans can watch them all in action in Munich.
BMW Golfsport Ambassador Max Kieffer has played in the top echelon of European golf since 2013. His best result to date at the BMW International Open was 29th place in 2015. The tournament is a real home event for BMW “Friends of the Brand” Florian Fritsch and Bernd Ritthammer: Fritsch was born in Munich, while Ritthammer, whose 16th place made him the best-placed German at last year’s BMW International Open, lives in the Bavarian capital.
Marcel Siem also has roots in Eichenried. His mother was responsible for catering at the club from 1988 onwards, while Siem was the club’s youth champion on two occasions. This is not the only reason that victory at the BMW International Open would mean so much to the 36-year-old. He came torturously close to winning the title in 2012, when he finished tied in sixth place, just two shots behind Danny Willett.
Alexander Knappe and Sebastian Heisele are in their first season on the European Tour. Two wins and third place overall were sufficient to see Knappe promoted from the Challenge Tour last year. Heisele secured his Tour card at Qualifying School.
Kaymer, winner of the 2010 PGA Championship and the 2014 U.S. Open, will be joined by another major winner, in the form of Henrik Stenson, who confirmed his attendance back in December. The Swede is the reigning Open champion and defending champion at the BMW International Open – a tournament he has won twice already (2006, 2016). The two major winners will receive stern opposition from a strong Spanish trio: Sergio García, Pablo Larrazábal and Rafa Cabrera-Bello.
