+++ Haotong Li (CHN) ready for Mission ‘Defend Title’ +++ Record number of German players taking part +++ Attractive groups for spectators +++ Player quotes from Tuesday +++ Tee times for Thursday and Friday +++
Munich. The first round of the BMW International Open (Golfclub München Eichenried) on Thursday marks the start of the sporting battle for one of the most iconic titles on the DP World Tour. In addition to last year’s winner Haotong Li and other top international players, 20 domestic players and two German amateurs will be taking part. This is the largest number of local heroes ever in the 34-year history of the tournament.
Defending champion Li will start from the first tee on Thursday, alongside Alex Cejka (GER) and Poland’s Adrian Meronk at 8:10 a.m.
Starting at 8:00 a.m., also from tee 1, are Europe’s Ryder Cup team captain Luke Donald (ENG), Marcel Siem (GER) and two-time BMW International Open Champion (2011, 2015) Pablo Larrazábal (ESP).
Of particular interest from Germany’s point of view is the group consisting of Max Kieffer, Yannik Paul and Nick Bachem. This trio will start the 34th edition of the BMW International Open from the 10th tee at 8:10 a.m.
See the PDF document for an overview of all the start times and groups (“Tee Times Thursday & Friday”).
Quotes.
Haotong Li: “When I arrived at the site, the great memories from last year came flooding back. I also remembered many good strokes and the great fans. I can’t wait for the 2023 BMW International Open to get started.”
Max Kieffer: “I’m really looking forward to the BMW International Open. It’s great to be playing alongside Yannik and Nick in a German group. That has the opportunity to develop its own momentum. Having a positive vibe in the air can be very inspirational.”
Marcel Siem: “It’s a huge honour to be playing with Luke Donald. Naturally, it is fantastic to be in a situation where the Ryder Cup is at least still a possibility. However, I have to push that to the back of my mind in the two rounds because of course it adds that little bit more pressure. I just need to play my strategic game and keep my emotions in check.”
Yannik Paul: “I have always dreamed about maybe playing in the Ryder Cup one day and prepared myself mentally for this. It would be fantastic to be there, but if not, life goes on. I’ll be trying to avoid putting myself under pressure this week.”
Matti Schmid: “It’s always great playing at a home tournament, particularly the BMW International Open. I often played in tournaments here at Golfclub Münchnen Eichenried as a teenager. It’s nice to be back. I’m looking forward to a fantastic tournament week and the atmosphere.”
Alex Cejka: “When you live in the USA, like I do, it is always wonderful to come home. I think it’s great that there are so many Germans taking part this time. Back in the day it was just Bernhard Langer, Martin Kaymer and maybe me – and now we have four, five, or six really strong players, and a good number behind them. It gives me pleasure to see that – even if they all hit 40 metres further than I do.”
Nick Bachem: “I enjoy every single week on the DP World Tour. My win has changed a lot, now I have the confidence that I can win tournaments and that I have arrived on the tour. The group with Max and Yannik will be great, we will have a lot of fun and a relaxed atmosphere.”
For further information, livescoring and a live stream from Thursday, please vistit www.bmw-golfsport.com