BMW Extends Golf Tour Partnership Until 2014

During a press conference held yesterday at BMW Welt, Munich, the German carmaker announced it has decided to extend the contract between the BMW International Open and the European Tour to 2014. The announcement was made as the company was revealing highlights of this year’s BMW International Open event.

“We have been involved in the BMW International Open as partner and organiser since 1989. We are very proud of this continuity and the excellent reputation the tournament enjoys around the world,” said Tournament President Karsten Engel.

This extension means that Germany retains its only tournament on the European Tour. “We are pleased to be able to offer the many golf fans in this country another four years of thrilling, world-class golf,” added Engel.

The 2010 BMW International Open will see three players from the top ten in the world rankings tee off from June 24 to 27, 2010. Paul Casey (England), the current number seven in the world, Ernie Els (South Africa) the number eight and Martin Kayme (Germany) the number nine, will try to secure a share of the two million Euros prize money of the European Tour.

“I am conscious that it will be harder than ever to win the BMW International Open with a top-class field like this,” said Kaymer at the press conference. “But it goes without saying that I will still give it my very best shot. I have a lot of good memories of this course." At the 20th anniversary of the tournament two years ago, Kaymer became the first German to win the BMW International Open. Last year, however, he missed the cut. “I have a score to settle,” he said.