Ricky Barnes’ hole-in-one earns him a new BMW.

Richmond Hill, ON. BMW Canada handed over the keys to a new BMW i8 today at the RBC Canadian Open in Oakville, Ontario. Ricky Barnes earned the new vehicle after hitting a hole-in-one in tournament play at Glen Abbey Golf Course.

“What a day out there,” said Barnes. “I haven’t had a hole-in-one in a long time and to win the i8 is unreal. The place was full of energy” In fact, Barnes’ ace on the 165 yard 4th hole during championship play was his first hole-in-one on the PGA Tour.

“What a thrill,” said Kevin Marcotte, Director of Marketing at BMW Group Canada. “For Ricky and the golf fans who witnessed the perfect shot. I know Ricky will have many more joyous moments behind the wheel of the i8.”

Revered as the world’s most-progressive sports car, the BMW i8 is an icon of innovation. It combines the efficiency of an all-electric motor and the power of a TwinPower Turbo engine to deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience.

Barnes, 34, now residing in Phoenix, AZ is a California native and former All-American at the University of Arizona. Barnes turned pro in 2003 and has enjoyed great success on the PGA Tour, including a standout performance at the 2009 US Open at Bethpage Black where he finished tied for second.

In its ninth year as Platinum Partner and Official Vehicle of the RBC Canadian Open, BMW Canada offered two different opportunities to win one of its premium vehicles for a hole-in-one as part of this year’s sponsorship. Amateurs in the Wednesday Pro-Am had the chance to win a 2015 BMW 435i xDrive Gran Coupe, and the PGA Tour pros in the Championship had the chance to win a 2015 BMW i8.

“It’s a partnership we’re very proud of,” said Marcotte. “To showcase our brand alongside the best players in the world is fitting.”

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new 

and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 46 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 30 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

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For more information, please contact:

Barb Pitblado, Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

416-305-1709 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca                      

Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist

BMW Group Canada  

905-428-5447 / robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca