After a year of Corona break, the BMW International Open is to be played again in Eichenried this year.
With or without a spectator, that is still open.
Eichenried - While the corona virus forced the BMW International Open to give up last year, this prestigious and traditional golf tournament, which was first held at the gates of Erding in 1989, will take place this year from June 23rd to 27th at the The course at the Munich Eichenried Golf Club has been played out again.
It is open until further notice, however, whether with or without a spectator.
"Health protection is the top priority," said Christian Masanz, Head of Sports Marketing BMW Germany, the main sponsor of this top-class golf event, at the press conference. "However, the past few months have shown that professional tournaments can be carried out safely with appropriate concepts."
This was also confirmed by the currently best German golf professional, Martin Kaymer, so far the only BMW Open winner from Germany - he prevailed in 2008. "It's difficult to drive on sight right now," he said. The two-time major winner, third at the Austria Open last week, is satisfied with his preparation and the way the season has gone so far. "I haven't forgotten how to play golf yet," he said with a smile. Kaymer also seems to have made his peace with the course, the tournament state of which he had criticized several times in recent years. The new greens and tees are now in very good shape, which tournament director Marco Kaussler confirmed. The place was closed for a long time. "It will be in top condition at the end of June."
Stephan Jäger naturally also wants to be in top shape at the BMW Open. The local hero, who grew up just a stone's throw from the championship course in Eichenried, has played big on the American Korn Ferry Tour in recent months, even won twice, and has thus been promoted back to the top US league, the PGA Tour. The six-time tour winner has not been in Germany since Christmas 2019. He's really dying to show his skills to his home fans, if they'll be allowed at all. 1.5 million prize money or a BMW iX for a hole in one on track 17 are an additional incentive. Both Jäger and Kaymer also have Tokyo in focus: "The Olympic Games are a huge goal."
In addition to these two top German professionals, other top-class and interesting players have now registered for Eichenried - such as Viktor Hovland, shooting star from Norway, Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington, 2017 Masters winner Sergio Garcia, Bernd Wiesinger (Austria), the South African Louis Oosthuizen, the two-time BMW Open winner Thomas Björn from Denmark and also the now 50-year-old permanent guest in Eichenried, Alex Cejka.
The organizers are sure that other well-known professionals will be there.
“We'll know more in four to six weeks,” says Kaussler, who hasn't given up hope of a “live audience” either.
Just like Kaymer, who currently misses the game in front of spectators because of the “greater intensity and atmosphere”.
Hans Kalteis