20th BMW International Open: Tee-off at heady height.

BMW celebrated the 20th jubilee of the BMW International Open with a spectacular tee-off on Monday. At the heady altitude of 99 metres above the ground, Germany's "European Tour Rookie of the Year" Martin Kaymer and eight-time winner of the European Tour Order of Merit Colin Montgomery symbolically teed off in the direction of the BMW Welt.

"It is a rather unusual experience to open a tournament in this fashion," said Montgomerie after his tee-off from the roof of the 99 metre-high BMW Four-Cylinder Building, "but it really was a lot of fun to tee up on this unique building - from where I had a really sensational view across the entire city

." Kaymer quipped that he had not hit his ball squarely "otherwise it would easily have landed on the roof of the BMW Welt building". Both golfers have entered the 20th edition of the 2m euro BMW international Open, to be played at Golfclub München Eichenried from 19-22 June.

For the first time, Philipp von Sahr is the Tournament President of this European Tour event. "It is a particular honour that we are able to host this tournament this year for the 20th time," said von Sahr during a media conference at the BMW Welt.

"The BMW International Open is a particularly unique event, for it takes place virtually at the gates of Munich, where the heart of BMW beats." During his address, von Sahr stressed that "BMW is the only brand represented at all important golf tours across the world". As Partner and Official Car provider the company supports the European Ryder Cup Team and is a Partner to the PGA European Tour.

The relationship between golf and BMW was further put into practice before the young German "Shooting Star" Kaymer and golfing veteran Montgomerie (Scotland) each hit a Golden Ball off the roof of the Four-Cylinder Building towards the spectacular new BMW Welt: prior to the tee-off, the two knowledgeable motor enthusiasts had made their acquaintances with the legendary BMW M1 sports car.

"Monty" and Kaymer then whizzed through the BMW Welt in true style in the sleek cult BMW sports car, itself celebrating an important anniversary - in this case its 30th. Beside seeing the two stars of today's "Tee Off Event" in action, visitors to the 20th BMW International Open can look forward to a top class entry list featuring no less than 156 professionals covering the full spectrum of generations.

Thus, beside 23-year-old Kaymer and Montgomerie, the young player's senior by 21 years, numerous veterans of the very first event will be challenged by top golfers representing the latest generation.

Included in the former group are Germany's living golfing legend and double Masters champion Bernhard Langer, and Thomas Björn (Denmark), one of just two two-time winners of the BMW International Open. Also entered are: Majors winner Retief Goosen (South Africa), defending title holder Niclas Fasth (Sweden) and the winner of the 2006 event and present European money list leader Henrik Stenson (Sweden).

Included amongst the hopeful "Young Guns" is Northern Ireland's 18-year-old Rory McIlroy, whose courageous play in last year's British Open created great excitement and earned him the nick-name 'The Wunderkind'. "It is obvious that for this jubilee edition of our tournament we are able to present a truly exciting entry list," confirmed Tournament Director Marco Kaussler. "We are expecting confirmations from even more top players over the next few days."

Bernhard Langer's presence will not be the only treat for home fans, for Germany's best present-day professional, namely the Top 25-ranked Martin Kaymer, is expected to do them equally proud. His appearance at the BMW International Open will be his first European Tour Event in Germany since his impressive start to the season. The golfer from Mettmann, who celebrated his first major career success in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, is certainly looking forward to his appearance in Munich, not least because he created a bit of history of his own at the tournament.

"As an amateur I was invited to play in the BMW International Open, and managed to make the cut. Therefore I have a very special connection to the tournament, and it really is a pleasure to return for the 20th edition of the event," said Kaymer, who departed for the United States immediately after the media conference in Munich. The Rhinelander is headed for Augusta (Georgia), where he and Bernard Langer will be Germany's two representatives in the US Masters, which starts on 10 April.

Kaymer is not the only player looking forward to this meeting of golfing generations on the Championship Course in Eichenried in June. Montgomerie is equally excited about the prospect, as he, too, holds good memories, having won the BMW International Open in 1999. 

Montgomery predicts a bright future for the young contender. "Martin possesses the potential to become one of the best players in this sport," he said. However, "Monty" hopes that Kaymer's successes do not commence on 22 June with victory at the BMW International Open, as Montgomerie fully intends taking a second BMW International Open victory fully nine years after his first, in the process presenting himself with an incredible birthday gift. The newly-married Scot turns 45 on the Monday after the BMW International Open.

www.bmw-golfsport.com

- Nicole Stempinsky-