Final
Seventh European Open in Hamburg, fifth English champion: Laurie Canter has won the 2024 European Open after producing a highly impressive and consistent performance to fend off a large group of rivals for the title at the 41st staging of the tournament. The prestigious DP World Tour event has been hosted on the Green Eagle Golf Courses’ Nord Course since 2017 and the 34-year-old Canter is already the fifth Englishman to get to grips best of all with the longest course on the Tour. In his 142nd Tour appearance, the man from Bath secured his first DP World Tour victory after a wonderful tournament week that attracted 25,000 spectators.
His final 13-under-par score of 279 handed Canter the European Open win ideal golfing conditions. Two shots behind in joint second were Bernd Wiesberger (Austria) and Thriston Lawrence (South Africa). “It’s not just a win, I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life,” said Canter immediately after the round. “I holed putts when it mattered. It was something I haven’t always managed to do in the past.” Canter turned pro 13 years ago, and his first title fills a painful gap. “It’s quite difficult if you feel like you’re serially not getting it done to have that almost stigma around you. I know in my own self that I could win. This is what I’ve always wanted to do: to win on the DP World Tour,“ said Canter who has had to earn a place on the DP World Tour via qualifying school on four occasions. Now he is there to stay in the near future.
Hole-in-one car: Taycan Turbo S
A sports car manufactured by the Official Automotive Partner, Porsche, was once again the hole-in-one prize at stake on the 17th hole in 2024. The professionals on the four days of the tournament and the amateurs in the Pro-Am however all missed out acing the Par 3 and therefore driving home the Porsche Taycan Turbo S. Marcel Siem thus remains the only player to manage a dream shot on the almost 150-metre 17th. The ecstatic German secured himself a Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo in 2017.
Singapore winner Svensson: “I’m crazy about Porsche”
One player did however drive away from the tournament venue in a Porsche, even if it was only for a short time. In the lead-up to the tournament, the top golfer Jesper Svensson, winner of the 2024 Porsche Singapore Classic, took the chance to discover the roads around the venue in a Taycan 4S. He was thrilled by the special experience which was also down to the passion for Porsche that he has inherited from his grandfather. “I’ve been crazy about Porsche ever since my childhood,” said Svensson who in his youth stood awestruck listening to the sound of his grandfather’s 964 Turbo. “I can remember it right up until today. It was a mind-blowing feeling and one that has stayed with me.”
Exclusive Porsche experiences
The range of vehicles on show in the grounds also added to the Porsche brand experience in the tournament week. It included the limited special edition 911 S/T in Shore Blue Metallic and a new Macan 4 in a Provence livery – the first fully electric SUV from Porsche which was premiered at the start of the year. Fans were also able to take memory photos in front of an Instagram Wall right next to the two models. Porsche also provided the electric fleet of courtesy cars for the players. VIP guests additionally had the chance to acquaint themselves with the latest Taycan models when taking them out on a test drive. Porsche customers also enjoyed the exclusive Porsche Parking close to the entrance and the Porsche Owners‘ Gardens right next to the 17th green which offered a breathtaking view of the golfing action.
Hamburg hosts the Porsche Golf Circle
The sports car manufacturer traditionally combines its various commitments in the game of golf, and the same thing happened this year too. This year, the Porsche Golf Circle Community met up at the start of the week and enjoyed a live on-site taste of the professional side of the game. The highlight of the days in Hamburg, which also included a guided tour of the Elbphilharmonie, was the opportunity to team up with a top professional in the Pro-Am on the perfectly prepared Nord Course one day before the start of the European Open. “A perfect day of golf,” said the happy content creator Paul Ripke, himself a Porsche Golf Circle member.
Day 3
The top of the leaderboard has become tighter: The fourth and final round of the 2024 European Open promises a thrilling race for the title of the 41st staging of the prestigious DP World Tour tournament. Ahead of the last 18 holes that will decide this year’s champion, nine golfers are within four shots of each other after some outstanding rounds in the first two days had opened up a number of gaps.
The leader after the first two rounds, Laurie Canter from England (73, par), has now been joined by the Italian Guido Migliozzi who carded a 67 to leave him also at 12 under par. Lurking one shot behind is the Dane Niklas Nørgaard (-11) and one further back is the German Jannik de Bruyn together with Frenchman Tom Vaillant who both have an eye on their first ever DP World Tour win.
Migliozzi: I just enjoyed it today”
Of the leading five, only Migliozzi has been a Tour winner having claimed three career victories. His last success however came almost two years ago. “I played great golf,” said the 27-year-old who moved up the field late after hitting three birdies on the 16th to 18th holes. “It was not easy to stay in the moment, but I managed to do it pretty well today. My putting was really good and I also hit the ball very well. I simply enjoyed playing golf today.”
Laurie Canter found going a little tougher on Saturday. A birdie on the 18th helped him to finish with a par round. “I’m fairly satisfied that I am still top especially as I really didn’t play very well,” said the 34-year-old. “I want to win. I’ve got nothing to lose and will tomorrow try to finish the tournament as the winner. My difficult rounds are behind me and I’ll be giving my all tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”
De Bruyn: “I couldn’t be any happier”
Watched on by thousands of fans at the Green Eagle Golf Courses venue near Hamburg, Jannik de Bruyn asserted himself impressively and has remained in contact with the leaders. “I’m really proud of how positive I was. I was playing in front of a big crowd right from the first tee shot but I simply accepted it, I enjoyed it and couldn’t be any happier,” said the 24-year-old. “Tomorrow, I want to enjoy the day in the same way as I did today.”
Alongside de Bruyn in fourth is the young Frenchman Tom Vaillant who today stormed up the field. The 22-year-old form Cannes shot a 68 and will now try to not think too far ahead. “It’s been a childhood dream (to win on the DP World Tour). But if I concentrated on it then it’d be wrong. I have to keep going in the same way as I have over the first three rounds – shot for shot, goal for goal.”
Austria Wiesberger impresses
Bernd Wiesberger also leaped up the leaderboard to sixth on Moving Day after carding a 67. Almost to the day three years after winning his last DP World Tour title, the 38-year-old Austrian was bogey-free when coming away with six birdies. “It was a great day,” said Wiesberger, who this season has only managed to finish twice in the Top 20. One shot better than Wiesberger is Ivan Cantero. The Spaniard played brilliantly when posting a brilliant third round 66 which has catapulted him up the leaderboard from 38th to seventh (-8).
Day 2
Spectacular golf at the 41st European Open on the Green Eagle Golf Courses’ Nord Course near Hamburg: the Englishman Laurie Canter shone with a 66 to take the lead. Lurking three shots behind are the young German Jannik de Bruyn and the Dane Niklas Nørgaard.
Some of the golfers still have to finish their second rounds at the 41st European Open. However Laurie Canter from England has nevertheless firmly established himself at the top of the leaderboard before the weekend. His score of 12 under par cannot be bettered by the last groups which will have to complete their second rounds early on Saturday morning after heavy rain delayed play on Friday. The 34-year-old Canter was happy with his game saying, “I putted really well today, which was nice, and obviously my ball-striking was solid. I think I hit every fairway today which is very important if you’re going to score well round here.” He hopes to continue in the same vein: “I like the layout, it tests every part of your game if you’re out of position but if you’re playing well tee to green and you keep plodding along, you’re going to give yourself some chances. I’m delighted to have done that the last two days.” He will now head out on the remaining 36 holes on the Green Eagle Golf Courses’ Nord Course as the three-shot leader.
After yesterday conjuring up the best round in tournament history on the demanding course with a nine-under par 64, Jannik de Bruyn initially found the going tough on Friday and was four over par for the day after nine holes. The 24-year-old however battled his way back to hit four birdies and five pars for a 73. He now lies one place behind Canter in second.
“A mega experience.” Jannik de Bruyn
“That I was able to turn things around again a little was obviously very good,” said de Bruyn. “I didn’t play my best golf, but I still enjoyed the day because I was playing in front of so many people. I was a bit nervous at the start.” It is not something that is going to change on Saturday. “I’ll probably be in the final group, and it’ll be a mega experience as I’ve never played on such a big stage. I’ll just try to enjoy everything. “
Also lurking three shots behind Canter is the Dane Niklas Nørgaard, who caught the eye when moving up the field in the afternoon with a 68 (-5). ”I love this course because it’s difficult. I like it because it hurts a little. But my game is theoretically really good for the course,” said the 32-year-old who finished strongly last week in Belgium to eventually place second behind the winner Nacho Elvira. He is in form and now the next step is a maiden DP World Tour title. “Being in contention last week has given me confidence. It’s a good feeling.”
Title holder Tom McKibbin also has a good feeling. The 21-year-old Northern Irishman’s two under par round of 71 has left him in a five-way tie in fifth on six under par. One shot ahead of them after 14 holes in the second round is the Englishman Garrick Porteous at seven under par. The Hamburg amateur Tiger Christensen has also been highly impressive. His excellent 68 on Friday evening has catapulted him up the leaderboard and he is now 15th with 12 others.
Max Kieffer and Marcel Siem miss the cut
Not longer in action at the weekend are, amongst others, Marcel Siem and Max Kieffer (both Germany), who last year sparked a great atmosphere on the landscaped viewing areas when coming joint second.
The 2024 European Open is also over for the Major champion Danny Willett, top golfer Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) and last week’s winner Nacho Elvira (Spain). They all hit one shot too many over the first 36 holes of the European Open.
Day 1
A somewhat surprised Jannik de Bruyn opened the 41st holding of the European Open with an historical round. The German’s sensational round of 64 on the Green Eagle Golf Course’s demanding Nord Course near Hamburg has left him well ahead of the rest of the field.
The longest course on the Tour was not able to stop Bruyn today. Recently, the 24-year-old has been struggling to find his form. A practice session in the evening before the first round of the European Open then helped him to rediscover his touch – and he promptly hit six birdies in the first seven holes. In posting the best ever score in tournament history on the Nord Course, he has opened up an amazing four-shot lead. After a three-hour delay in the morning due to thick fog, not all the groups have finished their opening rounds.
“I really didn’t have any mindset as I wasn’t in a good place when I came here,” said de Bruyn after his round. “Up until yesterday evening at about seven o’clock, I had no idea of how to hit the ball straight. Then I found something, and it worked perfectly today.” De Bruyn started like a man on fire and, after two bogeys on the 12th and 13th, ended his round with an unbelievable four-birdie run from the 15th hole. “It’s basically like, if you put the ball in the place where it has to be hit then you can beat this course,” said Bruyn dryly when reviewing his round, one that hardly left anybody cold. More and more fans followed the surprise leader during the day, something that also pleased the pro. “It was mega. I always enjoy playing here. I like the course so mega much and it’s why I basically had lots of fun out there.”
Prior to the season, De Bruyn had played his way onto the Tour via Q-School, but has only competed in three tournaments. He missed the cut twice and once caused a stir when placing 13th in India. Now another top result might follow. He does not want to look too far ahead even if he admits that a home win on the Tour is one of his career goals – it would be the first German win on home soil on the DP World Tour for 16 years. It would also be the first at the European Open since Bernhard Langer’s success in 1995.
“The only thing I’m trying to do is to accept things before and also during the round. If mistakes happen, then they happen,” says de Bruyn. “It’s all about keeping things together and remaining patient. That’s my only motivation. What will happen in the end, well that’s written in the stars.”
Four shots adrift of de Bruyn at the end of the day one is Laurie Canter (England) and Jack Davidson (Wales) on five under Par. Major champion Danny Willett (England) and local hero Marcel Siem (Germany) both got off to bumpy European Open starts. They each signed for a 76 (+3) and are lying just inside the Top 100. Title holder Tom McKibbin went out late in the afternoon and then finished late in the evening in equal fourth after hitting an impressive 69 (-4).
Porsche to provide emotional brand experience at European Open
The 2024 European Open from 30 May to 2 June will present high-class golf and an attractive event experience on Hamburg’s doorstep – and Porsche sports cars are a focal point. As the Official Automotive Partner, the sports car manufacturer will make the brand more accessible to the golf and Porsche fans at the Green Eagle Golf Courses through a wide range of activities.
Top international golfers, an outstanding tournament course, an attractive range of events and fascinating sports cars – the 2024 European Open from 30 May to 2 June promises an extensive live experience on one of the most demanding courses on the Tour, the Green Eagle Golf Courses’ Nord Course near Hamburg. A first-class field will compete for the season’s first German title on the DP World Tour and the players will be simultaneously hoping to win the spectacular hole-in-one prize, a Porsche Taycan Turbo S in Ice Grey Metallic.
Top international golfers headed by the title holder Tom McKibbin (Northern Ireland), Major champion Danny Willett (England), the four-time DP World Tour winner Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) and the 2024 Porsche Singapore Classic winner Jesper Svensson (Sweden) will be challenged by a strong group of German players including Marcel Siem and Max Kieffer, last year’s runner-up, plus Yannik Paul and Freddy Schott. The last German win on home soil came 16 years ago. The country’s golfers can be sure of the crowd’s support in the magnificent natural viewing areas, as can their international rivals. Several recent tournament winners plus numerous former Ryder Cup players and other notable golfers add up to an illustrious circle of title contenders.
Hole-in-one car: Taycan Turbo S
Awaiting the players is not only the chance to win the famous European Open trophy which has been held aloft since 1978 by golfing greats like Bernhard Langer, Sir Nick Faldo or the Porsche Brand Ambassador Paul Casey, but also the opportunity to secure themselves the spectacular hole-in-one prize. Once again in 2024, the pros will be lured on the 17th hole by a vehicle manufactured by official car partner Porsche as the reward for a sensational shot over the big water hazard. Whoever aces the Par 3 can look forward to a Porsche Taycan Turbo S in Ice Grey Metallic. The only player to ever manage a dream shot on the approximately 150-metre 17th was Marcel Siem in 2017. The jubilant German won himself a Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo.
Exclusive experiences for Porsche customers
The cars on show at the venue during the tournament week will also add to the Porsche brand experience. They include a 911 S/T in Shore Blue Metallic as well as a new Macan 4 in Provence, the first fully electric Porsche SUV which celebrated its world premiere at the start of the year. An Instagram wall in the immediate vicinity of both models gives visitors the chance to take personal memory photos. Porsche will additionally provide a fleet of electrified courtesy cars for players and VIP guests.
Porsche customers will also be able to enjoy the exclusive pleasure of the Porsche Parking close to the entrance and the Porsche Owners‘ Garden. Situated right next to the 17th green, it offers a breathtaking view of the golfing action – including the players’ attempts to win the coveted hole-in-one prize.
Porsche owners will be given one of the limited places in one of the time slots after presenting their car key when registering at the Porsche Parking or at the Porsche Owners‘ Garden. All the guests travelling to the venue in their Porsche have one of the shortest walks to the grounds from the exclusive parking spaces in the first row. VIP guests will experience the high-class atmosphere generated by the hospitality featuring outstanding culinary delights and a fabulous view of the exciting finale on the 18th hole. They also have the chance to book a test drive in selected Porsche vehicles.
Porsche Golf Circle to meet up in Hamburg
During the tournament week, the Porsche Golf Circle Community will come together in Hamburg. From Tuesday to Thursday, Porsche Golf Circle members will be able to get a taste of the professional environment from close up. The highlight of the days which include a visit to the Elbphilharmonie, is the participation in the Pro-Am tournament on Wednesday, 29 May. One day before the DP World Tour tournament gets underway, participants will tee-off alongside a professional on the perfectly prepared Nord Course. Also on the tee will be the content creator Paul Ripke, who will accompany the Porsche Golf Circle during their stay in Hamburg.
Porsche in golf
Porsche has been involved in golf since 1988 through the Porsche Golf Cup. The tournament series is one of the company’s most successful customer events and has developed into an international event in which, at its peak, over 17,000 Porsche customers took part in 261 worldwide qualifying tournaments. After becoming involved in professional golf for the first time in 2015 as the title sponsor of the DP World Tour’s prestigious Porsche European Open, Porsche was then instrumental in establishing the tournament as a top golf event in Germany. Now supporting the European Open near Hamburg as the Official Automotive Partner since 2024, Porsche is thus continuing the long-time successful cooperation with the time-honoured DP World Tour golf event. As the new title sponsor of the Porsche Singapore Classic, the sports car manufacturer is internationalising its commitment to professional golf in the important Asian market. Car partnerships at US PGA Tour and DP World Tour tournaments, including the European Open and the Omega European Masters in Crans Montana as well as in women’s golf – the Amundi Evian Championship – round off its involvement in professional golf. Launched in 2017, the Porsche Golf Circle is also highly successful. The international community for keen golf-playing Porsche customers gives its members the opportunity to enjoy exclusive golfing experiences at unique locations and at professional tournaments. Paul Casey has been complementing the Porsche family since 2020 as the first Brand Ambassador from the game of golf.