+++ Spectacular long drive competition returns on Saturday, July 5 +++ Action-packed event kicks off at the 18th green right after play concludes +++ Gareth Bale, Oliver Bierhoff, and many other celebrities to tee off at the Pro-Am tournament on Wednesday, July 2 +++ Both events are free to attend +++
Munich. The BMW International Open (July 2–6, 2025, Golf Club München Eichenried) will once again offer an attractive support programme in addition to four rounds of world-class golf. One of the absolute highlights is the unique long drive event ‘Launch Control’, which debuted at a DP World Tour event in Germany last year. Celebrated by the audience, it returns with spectacular monster drives, music, and an electrifying competition that showcases an exciting side of golf. The competition, featuring Long Drive World Champion Martin Borgmeier (GER), will take place on tournament Saturday (July 5) right after play concludes (approximately 5.30 pm) at the 18th green. Admission is free starting at 4 pm that day, allowing sports fans to experience both ‘Launch Control’ and the finale of the third round at no cost.
In addition to Borgmeier, who won last year’s men’s final with a 424-metre drive, participants will include Ryan ‘The Canadian Lumberjack’ Gregnol (CAN), Sam Judah (USA), and ‘Long Way’ Bobby Ray (USA). Fans will also see Cassandra Meyer again, who won last year’s women’s competition with a 322-metre drive. The American will take on the exciting challenge of competing against a male tour pro. Surprise guests will also contribute to this must-see golf event.
On Wednesday (July 2), Borgmeier will demonstrate that he’s capable of much more than hitting incredibly long drives when he participates in the Pro-Am tournament. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to more big names in Munich-Eichenried that day as Welsh football legend Gareth Bale will tee off alongside German football icons Oliver Bierhoff and Tim Borowski, as well as coach Ralph Hasenhüttl (AUT).
A ‘golden trio’ will feature six-time Olympic champions Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt (luge doubles) teaming up with three-time biathlon Olympic champion Michael Greis. Ice hockey will also be well-represented, with NHL stars and German national players Moritz Seider and Tim Stützle taking part. Former world-class tennis player Philipp Kohlschreiber, record winner of the Munich ATP tournament BMW Open, will also showcase his skills with a golf club.
From the film industry, actor Kai Wiesinger and director, screenwriter, and producer Florian Gallenberger will participate. Born in Munich, Gallenberger won an Oscar in 2001 in the Short Film category.
The Pro-Am tournament is free to attend. Tickets for the other tournament days of the BMW International Open are available at: www.bmw-golfsport.com/tickets