There will be a mix of youth and experience at the 22nd BMW International Open in two week’s time with the exciting Italian talent, Matteo Manassero, lining up against six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo and three-time BMW title winner and darling of the crowds, Miguel Angel Jiménez.
The three world-class entries complete the strongest field in the history of the tournament, led by three-time Major Champion Ernie Els of South Africa and England’s Paul Casey, two players from the world’s top ten.
Martin Kaymer, winner of the anniversary BMW International Open in 2008, will be pulling out all the stops to notch up another triumph at Eichenried’s Championship Course and re-establish his position among the top ten golfers in the world. Alongside him, world-class players such as Spain’s Sergio García and Sweden’s former European Number One Robert Karlsson will be battling hard for the title – and important Ryder Cup points under the gaze of Captain Colin Montgomerie.
“We are very proud to be in a position to present our spectators and all golfing fans with such an excellent field of players,” commented tournament director Marco Kaussler at a press conference held at Munich Eichenried Golf Club. “Tournaments rarely offer the spectacle of such an exciting mix of experienced champions and ambitious young pros.”
Italian golfer Manassero aged 17 is widely tipped to be a future star. He was already making waves as an amateur when he took 13th place in The Open Championship at Turnberry in 2009. In April, he became the youngest player of all time to make the cut at the US Masters in Augusta. Manassero only subsequently turned professional at the BMW Italian Open a month ago.
By comparison, six-time Major Champion Faldo and Jiménez have a wealth of experience. They will be joined by Germany’s greatest ever golfer, Bernhard Langer. After five second places, the Bavarian golfer is competing for the 20th time hoping to achieve his first victory in the BMW International Open.
This year, players and spectators at the BMW International Open will notice a number of changes at the Eichenried championship course. The pond at the 12th fairway (par 3) has been moved closer to the green and extended backwards. “A green tongue of the green now extends into the pond,” explains Korbinian Kofler, Managing Director of Munich Eichenried Golf Club. “This means that new flag positions are possible that allow some spectacular strikes. If a ball is pitched a little too short or struck with too much spin, it quickly lands in the water.”
The fairway at the 15th hole has been redesigned. The championship tee had already been moved 62 metres further back at the BMW International Open in 2009 – but poor weather made it impossible to play the extended version. The premiere of the new 15th fairway is therefore scheduled to take place one year later.
The quality of the landscaping at the course has also been much improved. New trees between the fairways, improved positioning of pathways and upgraded garden design around the club house and entrance area transform a visit to the BMW International Open into an even more attractive and enjoyable experience.
A wide range of golfing events and entertainment in the Public Area will also enhance the enjoyment of more than 60,000 visitors expected to attend this event. The BMW Pro Youth Tournament on Tuesday is an initial highlight of the tournament week in Eichenried. This will be followed by the regular Pro Am event on Wednesday. The players are particularly looking forward to the traditional Players’ Party at Munich’s prestigious club P1 on Saturday.
