Hotspot for golfers in 2017 - BMW International Open in Munich
This will effectively make golfers' hearts beat faster: This year's BMW International Open Golf Tournament from June 21 to 25 at GC München-Eichenried will probably feature the best field of players in the tournament's history.
For the 29th edition of this traditional European Tour tournament, both the reigning Open champion Henrik Stenson (SWE) and the current holder of the Green Jacket, Sergio García (ESP), will be competing for the first time. They will be joined by Major winners Ernie Els and José Maria Olazábal, current European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn and Bernd Wiesberger and Tommy Fleetwood, who are currently in very good form. All six other German European Tour players as well as the two Spaniards Pablo Larrazábal and Rafa Cabrera-Bello will also be teeing off - and of course Martin Kaymer, who was the first and so far only German to win the tournament in 2008.
Great golf at your fingertips
Experiencing some of the best golfers in the world up close and taking a look behind the scenes of such a professional sporting event is like a pilgrimage to Mecca for any golfer. In this case, it is "only" to the north of Munich to GC München-Eichenried, the only German course to enjoy worldwide fame as the "Home of the BMW International Open". And this has been the case since 1989, when it was inaugurated by renowned golf course architect Kurt Roßknecht. He created 27 holes with three varied 9-hole loops on 150 hectares of parkland, all of which end conveniently at the clubhouse. It is a consistently flat and long course, but with watery fairways, streams and ponds, around 90 bunkers and, last but not least, two peninsula greens. Recommended strategy: a technically and tactically adept game of golf. You can practice right next to it on the public 6-hole short course, which is also used by the 8 pros of the Golf Academy. In the modern clubhouse and the "Neo" restaurant there, you can also meet the stars of the golf scene.
On the round with Henrik Stenson & Co.
They are among the highly deserving contenders for victory here: Henrik Stenson, who celebrated his first Major title at last year's Open, and Sergio Garcia with his Masters triumph in April 2017. The former could now claim his BMW International Open triple here after his victory last year at GC Lärchenhof in Cologne. "That would be cool, especially because I feel very comfortable at this tournament," says Henrik Stenson. However, one player is likely to receive even more support from the spectators at his home event in Munich: Germany's best golfer Martin Kaymer, who won the 2010 US PGA Championship and the 2013 U.S. Open. In view of this top-class competition at this tournament, all the favorites will need an excellent performance to take the trophy and the winner's cheque for 333,330 euros (total prize money: 2.0 million euros). In addition, the first player to ace the 17th hole will receive a BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition - not a bad prize either!
Everything for the guest
However, the "Tournament of Tournaments" has much more to offer than just a golf tournament. In addition to the world-class golfers in action, all the highlights of the BMW vehicle range are on display, around 70 exhibitors provide information on all aspects of golf and young golfers can also get active here. Under the motto "Golf goes to school", children and young people from the region can experience exciting guided tours of the tournament grounds and swing a golf club themselves at various stations on Kids Day. "We are looking forward to getting even more children and young people interested in golf with the Kids Day on Wednesday and, together with our corporate partner Allianz and the German and Bavarian Golf Associations, to organizing a great campaign for golf," says Friedrich Edel, Head of Sports Marketing BMW Germany. This is why admission is free for children and young people up to the age of 15 for the entire week of the tournament.
And what else counts? The cozy Bavarian beer garden with a varied stage program and large video wall, of course, so that fans won't miss a single important shot while seated. New are additional natural grandstands for an even better view of the championship course, with more spectator areas, improved service and an optimized supporting programme. Admission is free from Wednesday to Friday and the BMW International App keeps you up to date.
Tickets at: tickets.bmw-golfsport.com.
