25th BMW International Open: Golf stars transform the English Garden into the Championship Course.

Munich. Bright blue skies, well over 30 degrees Celsius and green grass as far as the eye can see: this is how the people of Munich love the English Garden – and the “Green Lung” in the heart of the Bavarian capital was at its brilliant best for the golf stars at the “Opening Show Event” ahead of the 25th BMW International Open.

Ernie Els (South Africa), Sergio García (Spain), Dustin Johnson (USA), Maximilian Kieffer (Germany), Matteo Manassero (Italy), Miguel Ángel Jiménez (Spain) and Marcel Siem (Germany) descended on the vast expanse of parkland – a favourite spot for residents of Munich and tourists to escape from the stress of everyday life and enjoy the sun – and put on a spectacular show to mark the opening of the 25th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday. In the grand finale at the “Seehaus Beer Garden”, it was Kieffer who received a BMW bike as reward for his first win of the tournament week.

The illustrious group of golfers kicked off proceedings at the Monopteros. The first round of the “Nearest-the-pin” competition began from a specially constructed tee at the foot of the circular temple, which was built in 1836 and boasts a wonderful view of Munich city centre with its countless landmarks. The honour of hitting the first shot of the competition went to Open Champion Els. The pros – accompanied by hundreds of spectators – then made their way to the Chinese Tower, where they refuelled with an original Bavarian ‘Brotzeit’ (snack) and refreshing drinks. From there, the ‘Magnificent Seven’ were taken by rickshaw to the second hole in the Werneckwiese area of the English Garden. The final challenge awaited them at the “Seehaus Beer Garden”: a spectacular island green in the middle of Kleinhesseloher See (Kleinhesseloher Lake).

Two direct hits gave Kieffer three points overall – sufficient to win the competition between the top stars. “I always have too much luggage on my flights anyway,” joked the BMW Golfsport Ambassador. “But I will definitely make room for the BMW bike. That was really a great event today and a completely new experience. To play golf in the middle of a city, in a world-famous park – that is not something you do every day. I think it did a very good job of bringing golf to the people. I was positively surprised how many fans were watching us. I had great fun in the English Garden.”

The other pros were also thrilled by their very special round of golf. Jiménez enjoyed his time with the spectators and his visit to the English Garden. “I have played at the BMW International Open here in Munich countless times, but never experienced anything quite like that. The atmosphere was superb and the weather fantastic. What more can you ask for to kick off the week?” Siem was also making his debut in the world-famous park: “I have never done anything like that before,” said the local favourite: “That is the ideal way to show people how great our sport is – and that we are ok guys. It is great to be so close to the fans. This is how it should be.”

After the eventful start in the heart of the city, the action now shifts to Golfclub München Eichenried on Wednesday, where the pros will take on the Championship Course alongside celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment, as well as fortunate amateurs, at the Pro-Am tournament. Among those teeing off will be heavyweight champion of the world Wladimir Klitschko and Thomas Müller from triple-winning FC Bayern Munich.