+++ England’s Daniel Brown (-22) triumphs in Munich, ahead of Jordan Smith (ENG) and Kazuma Kobori (NZL) +++ Matti Schmid is the best German in seventh, amateur Tim Wiedemeyer impresses in 17th place +++ € 73,000 for “Eagles for Education” and the Philipp Lahm Foundation +++ 58,000 golf fans flock to Golfclub München Eichenried +++
Munich. Englishmen Daniel Brown and Jordan Smith, teeing off in the final group, began the final round with a spectacular flurry of birdies that delighted the crowds in Munich. Smith came into the Sunday one shot behind his compatriot, but overcame that deficit with five birdies on the first nine holes. Brown, for his part, hit back with four birdies. However, unlike his playing partner, he did not drop a single shot and was ultimately a worthy winner of the only DP World Tour event in Germany. The 30-year-old carded rounds of 70, 65, 65 and 66 to end the tournament on 22 under par (266 shots) and claim his second title on the DP World Tour.
“At the end of a fantastic tournament week, it is my pleasure, on behalf of BMW, to congratulate Daniel Brown on his deserved title at the 36th BMW International Open,” said Jochen Goller, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales. “The atmosphere around the course was sensational. It was great to see so many fans, customers and friends of the game of golf here. We are also delighted with the many eagles that were carded, namely 73, meaning the BMW Group will donate € 73,000 to the Philipp Lahm Foundation for Sport and Education.”
This year, the BMW Group donated €1,000 for every eagle scored over the course of the tournament to the Philipp Lahm Foundation for Sport and Education. The shared goal is to give children and young people skills and knowledge in the areas of exercise, nutrition and personal development. This is the third time that the BMW Group has used its “Eagles for Education” initiative at the BMW International Open to work towards equal opportunity and better prospects for children and young people who have a difficult start to life. The 73 eagles at this year’s tournament is a record for “Eagles for Education”.
Making his 69th appearance on the DP World Tour, Brown became the eighth Englishman to win the iconic German tournament. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of Matt Wallace (2018), Danny Willett (2012), David Horsey (2010), Nick Dougherty (2009), David Howell (2005), Lee Westwood (2003) and Russell Claydon (1998). Brown had his low error count to thank for the victory – over the course of the whole tournament, he only dropped three shots – as well as a nerveless final round. Smith carded three bogeys on the final nine holes and must consequently – as he did last year – settle for second place, despite having had a very good tournament.
“It means an awful lot to me. I did not really take it all in when I claimed my first victory but today hit me straight away. I lost a friend last weekend. This is for him. All day, it felt as though I was not playing in my own body. I could feel the tension and then I started to think what it would mean to win a golf tournament like this. That repressed what happened a little. I believe he was with me, and that made it a bit easier,” said a visibly emotional Brown.
Third place went to Japan-born New Zealander Kazuma Kobori (-18), who thrilled the 17,500 golf fans on Sunday with a round of 63 (9 under par) – the best of the week, together with Davis Bryant (USA, round two). A total of 58,000 visitors flocked to Golfclub München Eichenried over the course of the week. Bryant, Joost Luiten (NED) and Kristoffer Reitan (NOR all -16) ended the tournament tied in fourth place.
The best-placed German at this year’s BMW International Open was Matti Schmid (-15, T7). The man from Regensburg, who predominantly plays in the USA on the PGA TOUR, said: “The atmosphere was more than mega all week. I hope everyone comes back again, as it is nice to have a full house here. I am obviously happy with the result, as the top ten is always a super outcome. My performance was mixed. On the whole, there was more there for me – however, I assume everyone feels that way. I felt very good on the greens. At some point, everything will come together at the same time.”
Munich-born Tim Wiedemeyer also gave an outstanding display. He made the cut without any problems and ended the week as the top amateur. The 20-year-old did not stray above par on any of his four rounds (72, 66, 69, 69) and finished tied in an impressive 17th place. Wiedemeyer said: “It was really cool. I missed out a few times, and could definitely have done better, but I am very happy with the result. I could take something from the tournament in all areas of the game. The walk to the 18th green on the final day was the best moment of the week.”
Seven German players made it to the weekend: Martin Kaymer (-11, T19), Marcel Schneider (-10, T26), Marcel Siem (-4, T58), Yannik Paul and Hurly Long (both Even Par, T66).
The full final result of the 36th BMW International Open can be found in the PDF document attached.