Marcel Siem says he has never arrived at a DP World Tour event on home soil on more of a high after his dramatic victory at the Italian Open presented by Regione Emilia-Romagna.
The German fan favourite has enjoyed a resurgence since regaining his card at the Qualifying School in 2022, with his victory on Sunday in a play-off against Tom McKibbin meaning he has now won in back-to-back years.
Victory at the 2023 Hero Indian Open ended a nine-year wait without a win on the DP World Tour, and he was still revelling in his latest triumph – his sixth on Golf’s Global Tour – as he looked ahead to his 23rd appearance at this week's BMW International Open.
"Life changes all the time. I've never been so boosted up before going into my home tournament, so I need to find the right balance to recover and get the full power back.
"It's great to come here after a win."
Siem was playing in just his fourth event after undergoing hip surgery earlier in the season, a feat that made his latest piece of silverware all the more impressive.
Reflecting on his clutch putt on the final hole of regulation play that forced a play-off, he added: "I wish I would have done it a bit easier, in a more normal way.
"I kind of thought I had lost it already, but I never gave up.
"It's [the video of his putt at the 18th] is going viral. I think I watched it 200 times to be honest.
"I think it's the coolest moment in golf for me ever. I mean that chip-in in China [to win the 2014 BMW Masters in a play-off] was pretty cool as well, but I think that putt was amazing, and I will never forget that."
Siem, who is among the most experienced players on the DP World Tour having made his debut in 1998, will be a big draw for the home crowds but he is far from on his own as 17 Germans tee it up at the second of two events in the country this season.
But it is his countryman Bernhard Langer, the two-time Masters champion, who will also generate much interest as he plays his 513th and final event on the DP World Tour.
Siem will play alongside 66-year-old Langer and two-time Major champion Martin Kaymer, the only German to have won the BMW International Open, over the first two rounds.
"What he achieved is special. It's going to be very tough to achieve what he did," said Siem of Langer, Germany's most successful golfer.
"You should never say never. I think he's a he's a superb human being, a role model for all of us.
"His behaviour is just outstanding. His technique is very unique as well. That's what I love about him. His work ethic too.
"There's nothing which stands out with Bernard which isn't good, you know.
"I can't wait to play with him and share the fairways with him and hope to make his finish on the DP World Tour a little sweeter.
"For me it will be really a very, very special day."
