2009 BMW International Open: Dougherty shuts door on Langer to triumph in Munich Eichenried.

2009 BMW International Open: Dougherty shuts door on Langer to triumph in Munich Eichenried.
Runner-up Echenique cards historic albatross on final hole.

Munich. Bernhard Langer has failed at the 19th attempt to fulfil his dream of winning the BMW International Open. The 51-year-old from Anhausen started the final day positively with a birdie, but was then unable to keep pace with Nick Dougherty, who was playing like a man possessed. The 27-year-old Englishman ended the final Sunday in Munich Eichenried on 22 under par (69, 65, 68, 64) to secure the winner’s cheque for over 333,330 Euros at the European Tour tournament, which boasted overall prize money of two million Euros. Langer finished the tournament in ninth place on 15 under par (68, 68, 65, 72).

Dougherty went into the final round three shots behind overnight leader Retief Goose, but soon drew level with the South African after consecutive birdies on the opening three holes. A bogey from Goosen on the fourth hole gave the Englishman the lead, which he never let slip. When he sank a putt from the fringe of the green on the 15th hole, Dougherty fell to his knees pumping his fist – he knew that victory was all but his. By the end of the day he had nine birdies and just one bogey on his scorecard, and won the 21st BMW International Open ahead of Argentinean Rafa Echenique and Goosen.

However, it remained exciting right to the end – thanks to probably the most incredible shot in the history of the tournament. With 222 metres to the pin Echenique, who had started half an hour before Dougherty, took a 3-iron on the par-5 18th and watched in amazement as his ball rolled straight into the hole. This was the first albatross ever witnessed on the final hole in 21 years of the BMW International Open – the only man to have achieved this feat on any hole before was Spain’s José Maria Olazábal on the 11th hole in 2001. The albatross helped Echenique to a round of 62 (-10 for the round), equalling the course record in Eichenried. “That was the first albatross of my career. I really caught the ball well with my 3-iron”, said the Argentinean.

This was the third European Tour title of Dougherty’s career so far. He already had tears in his eyes as he stepped onto the 18th green – this was his first victory since his mother Ellis died of a heart attack over a year ago. “I’ve had a difficult time since the death of my mother,” said Dougherty. “I’m unbelievably happy to have won again.” His last victory came in Scotland in October 2007.

In contrast, Langer’s best results at the BMW International Open remain his five second places (1992, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2007). “Nick played fantastically. It was great to see,” he said, congratulating the winner. “He is one of the most talented players we have in Europe. I have rarely seen anyone putt as well as he did today.” Speaking of his result, Langer said: “I hoped it would finally be my year, but after the birdie on the first hole nothing came off for me. Overall it was a great tournament. I had a lot of fun here over the course of the week. To be up there challenging as a 51-year-old was a magnificent experience.”

Tournament President Karsten Engel, Head of Sales BMW Group Germany, was also extremely pleased with the tournament: “Congratulations to Nick Dougherty on his excellent performance and victory at the 21st BMW International Open. He came up trumps in a thrilling finale. We are more than happy with this year’s high-class tournament, as we have seen outstanding golf here on all four days, despite extremely difficult weather conditions. We would like to thank everyone who visited us here, and are already looking forward to the 22nd tournament next year.”

13,200 spectators on the final Sunday – 42,000 over the course of the tournament week – saw a high-class final day, which included a round of 63 (-9) from Niclas Fasth (Sweden). This catapulted the 2007 champion from 53rd to 16th place. His compatriot and tournament favourite Henrik Stenson, the 2006 champion, finished in 35th place. The best-placed former BMW International Open champion was Miguel Ángel Jiménez (Spain), the 2004 winner, in fourth place. 2005 winner David Howell (England) and defending champion Martin Kaymer (Germany) missed the cut.

The only German besides Langer to make the cut, Max Kramer, ended his campaign in Munich Eichenried with a round of 69 to finish in 44th place. “I am pleased to have played so well again on the final day,” said the 25-year-old from Fulda, who turned pro three years ago and usually plays his golf on the Challenge Tour.

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