BMW International Open 2019: “I like to ride my bicycle” – Martin Kaymer, Lena Gercke, Jan Josef Liefers and sport stars open the iconic German tournament.

Munich. An enjoyable cycle ride through the English Garden in glorious weather, on BMW Bikes from the latest BMW Lifestyle Collection, and a team golf competition at the Seehaus: The opening of the BMW International Open 2019 (GC München Eichenried, 19^th to 23^rd June) was a star-studded affair, held in good spirits on Tuesday evening. Golf stars Martin Kaymer, Sergio García, Matt Wallace and Thorbjørn Olesen were joined by BMW M Brand Ambassador Lena Gercke, actor Jan Josef Liefers, Olympic luge champion Felix Loch, and BMW works driver Bruno Spengler, who gave the “Tee-Off Night” the glamour it deserved.

The bicycle and rickshaw tour took the group from the official player hotel, the Hilton Munich Park, through the English Garden, a famous Munich landmark and one of the largest parks in the world. The stars were in high spirits by the time they arrived at the Seehaus, where they were given a warm welcome by Pro-Am guests at the “Tee-Off Night”, and reached for their golf clubs.

The competition was played in teams of two. While each pro had to play an approach shot from the specially-erected bunker, the job of putting was left to their celebrity partner. The pairing of Johannes Lochner and Martin Kaymer came out on top, needing just two shots.

Quotes from the opening of the BMW International Open.

Martin Kaymer (two-time major champion and 2008 BMW International Open winner): “I am always impressed by how much effort BMW goes to, to ensure that everything runs smoothly. BMW does a very good job every year. The bunker shot was obviously just a bit of fun. I put the ball on the green and Johannes put it in. It is a nice way to start a tournament week.”

Sergio García (major champion and the most successful player in Ryder Cup history):

“That was a fantastic experience. It is hard to beat in this weather. I was amazed how many people turned out and simply enjoyed the day. The tour was very nice and really good fun. It was great to see how much fun everyone was having.”

Matt Wallace (BMW International Open defending champion): “The evening was fantastic. I have never done a tour like that before. I must praise the whole organisation team for this magnificent event. Cycling through the park and then the bunker shot in front of 100 or more people was obviously a great start to the tournament week. We all enjoyed the summer evening here in Munich, with good food and great music.”

Lena Gercke (BMW M Brand Ambassador): “I think I am a better cyclist than golfer. It was wonderful, and we had such a great day with perfect weather. The English Garden is a dream. It is just great fun to be outdoors in this weather. We did a short cycling tour, then arrived at the Seehaus and did a bit of putting. That is not necessarily one of my strengths, as I am not really the greatest golfer. Nor do I think I ever will be. However, it was a great honour for me to be among so many top golfers this evening.”

Jan Josef Liefers (actor and star of the series Tatort): “If I have counted correctly, I believe this is my fifth time at the BMW International Open. The opening was particularly successful this year. I lived in Munich for five years, so I know the area around the English Garden like my own back yard. I lived in this region, so I spent a lot of time here. I like the fact that we are here now, and that we are not completely shielded from outside, but that we have half Munich around us. I like the way the people of Munich welcome the sun and enjoy just sitting together.”

Johannes Lochner (bobsleigh world champion and world cup winner): “It was another superb experience. The cycling tour through the English Garden was almost too far for a bobsleigh driver, but I just about made it. The contest alongside Martin was hard to beat. When you watch one of the best, it rubs off on you. Plus, I work best under pressure. We had great weather, the people there were friendly, and I am now very excited about the Pro-Am.”

Bruno Spengler (BMW works driver and 2012 DTM champion): “It was super cool. I already knew Sergio, Martin and Matt, because I have played Pro-Ams with them in Wentworth, Cologne and Paris. That was great fun, and we know each other well as a result. As a huge golf fan, I am obviously delighted to be here. The cycling tour was also great fun. I think it is fantastic how committed BMW is to golf.”

Felix Loch ( Olympic champion, world champion, and world cup winner in the luge) : “The cycling tour through the English Garden was something completely different. When else would I do that? It was really pleasant and the weather was spot on. It was a dream day. It was great fun with the guys. I know one or two of them quite well now. It was great in the Seehaus too – particularly in this weather. It is far more pleasant than in the winter, when it is -10 on the luge run.”