BMW:Munich – June 11, 2013 –No presents on offer at this birthday celebration that is the motto of the 25th BMW International Open in Munich Eichenried. However, that is not entirely true when it comes to the opening event at Germanys biggest week of golf: the regional capital Munich and the Free State of Bavaria, who own the English Garden, have presented the only professional golf tournament in Germany with an exclusive present. On Tuesday 18th June, seven of the high-class fields many stars will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to a wider public in one of the largest urban parks in the world, set against the picturesque backdrop of the city on the River Isar. Among them will be reigning Open Champion Ernie Els (South Africa), Sergio Garca (Spain), Dustin Johnson (USA), BMW Golfsport Ambassador Maximilian Kieffer (Germany), BMW PGA Champion Matteo Manassero (Italy), crowd favourite Miguel ngel Jimnez (Spain) and Germanys top pro Marcel Siem (Germany).
We are delighted to be able to start the countdown to the 25th BMW International Open in the middle of the English Garden, said Magnus Wiese, Head of Events, Exhibitions and Sports Marketing BMW Germany. A big vote of thanks goes to the Free State of Bavaria, the Bavarian capital Munich and the city of Munichs park administration, who have made this event possible and given us this wonderful birthday present. This just goes to show that the entire city is behind this tournament and has been for almost a quarter of a century now. Golf fans can look forward to an atmospheric start to the tournament week, which will allow them to watch world-class golf stars at close hand.
The illustrious group of golfers will demonstrate their ability and their showmanship in a Nearest-the-pin competition on a mightily impressive stage, the likes of which even they are unlikely ever to have experienced before. At 17:00, and with a superb view of the city of Munich, the seven pros will tee off on the 70-metre opening hole from the Monopteros, with the goal to land their ball as close to the pin as possible. After dropping into the Chinese Tower, probably the best-known tourist attraction in the English Garden, the international stars will head to the Werneckwiese for the second hole. This years Opening Show Event ends at the renowned Seehaus Biergarten (Lake House beer garden). Here, the pros will meet guests at the BMW International Open Draw Party and take aim at the spectacular island green on Kleinhesseloher See (Kleinhesseloher Lake). The winner of the competition will receive a BMW bike the perfect mode of transport for the 3.75km park in Munichs city centre.
The Tee Time with a difference in the English Garden, during which authentic English tea and cakes will be served, is the first highlight of an exciting tournament week. From Wednesday onwards, the action shifts to Golfclub Mnchen Eichenried. After the Pro-Am tournament, the pros will get down to the serious business on Thursday, when they take to the Championship Course for the first of four rounds at the 25th BMW International Open. Only once the final putt has been holed on Sunday will we know who will follow in the footsteps of Danny Willett. The Englishman lifted the trophy last year, when the tournament was staged in Cologne-Pulheim for the first time.
Admission is free up to and including Friday. On the final two days, BMW Card owners and young persons over the age of 16, school pupils, students and disabled persons pay half price. Admission is free all week for children aged 15 and under. To make the journey to the course as relaxed as possible, a free shuttle bus service will be provided to and from the S-Bahn (train) station at Ismaning (S8) on the tournament days. A Public Area Party will be held on the tournament site for the first time on Saturday 22nd June. Free shuttle buses will run from GC Mnchen Eichenried to Ismaning station until the end of the event.
Note to editors:
Meeting point for media representatives, photographers and TV crews is the Monopteros at 16:30 on Tuesday 18th June. The Opening Show Event will begin there at 17:00. A traditional Bavarian Brotzeit (snack) at the Chinese Tower will provide an attractive photo opportunity with the golf stars.