Ferguson wins the 35th BMW International Open with nerves of steel.

+++ Scotsman Ewen Ferguson (-18) triumphs at Golfclub München Eichenried ahead of Jordan Smith (ENG) and David Micheluzzi (AUS, both -16) +++ Jeremy Paul finishes 20th as the best German +++ Emotional farewell for Bernhard Langer +++ 53,000 golf fans experience a memorable tournament week +++ 55,000 euros for “Eagles for Education” +++

Munich. The final day of the 35^th BMW International Open began with extensive rain, continued under correspondingly difficult conditions with a head-to-head race between Ewen Ferguson and Jordan Smith, and ended with the third victory for a Scotsman in Munich. Before Ferguson, Sandy Lyle (1991) and Colin Montgomerie (1999) had won the iconic German tournament. The 28-year-old played rounds of 67, 64, 71, 68 on his way to his third title on the DP World Tour for a total score of 270 strokes (18 under par).

“Congratulations to Ewen Ferguson on winning the 35^th BMW International Open. This year, especially on the final day, the conditions were challenging, making it all the more remarkable performance,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources and Real Estate. “The atmosphere on the course was sensational, especially on the first two days around the group with Bernhard Langer. It was a great honor for all of us to be able to bid farewell to one of Germany’s greatest athletes during the BMW International Open. In addition, 55 eagles were played this week, and the BMW Group is very pleased to donate 55,000 euros for ‘Eagles for Education’, which will provide more opportunities and educational equity.”

The BMW Group donates 1,000 euros for each eagle at the BMW International Open to the organisations “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben”, with which the BMW Group has been working for many years and which are committed to better future prospects for disadvantaged children and young people. In addition to financial support as part of “Eagles for Education”, BMW employees volunteer as mentors in both projects.

Ferguson had needed only 64 strokes on Friday and took the lead with the lowest round of this year’s tournament. After the third day, the Scotsman was again at the top of the leaderboard, this time together with Smith. These two players delivered a thrilling duel in the final round until Ferguson could pull away at the 14^th with a birdie while the Englishman simultaneously dropped a shot. The nerve-strong Scotsman, who played flawlessly on Sunday, did not relinquish this lead.

„I can’t believe it. The last four holes I felt like i was in a dream. I didn`t think this was actually happening, it was crazy. I was putting so well, I was hitting it so much further than usual,” said Ferguson. “I wanted to do it for my dad, my mother, my brother, my sister at home. I love them so much. I played every shot with them in mind all the time. It is just hard game. It is so much weight off my shoulders. I am just so happy.”

The 35^th BMW International Open was marked by Bernhard Langer’s departure from the DP World Tour. The 66-year-old played two very good rounds despite significant length disadvantages compared to the rest of the field, missing the cut by only three strokes. However, the sporting outcome became secondary on Friday when the German golf legend was celebrated on the 18^th green by the spectators, friends and family, and colleagues. “It was an incredible atmosphere. I have never experienced anything like it. It’s a joy that I was able to experience this today, that people took the journey to see me one last time,” said the two-time Masters Champion.

Behind Ferguson, Smith, and Micheluzzi, Matthew Southgate (ENG) and Connor Syme (SCO, both -14) came in tied for fourth place. Mattis Besard (BEL), Rikuya Hoshino (JPN), and Jens Dantorp (SWE, all -13) shared sixth place.

The best German player this year was Jeremy Paul (-8, T20). The 30-year-old had travelled to the 35^th BMW International Open from the USA, where he lives and plays on the Korn Ferry Tour. “Of all the German players, I probably had the least pressure. I was happy that friends and family were there, and that’s usually the easiest way to play,” said Paul. “The BMW International Open is a top event, there are always many spectators. I hope the tournament fits into my calendar in the coming years and that I invited to come back.”

Of the 16 local players who started, only Paul and four others made the cut, but they played no role in the title fight. Jannik de Bruyn (-7) finished tied for 27^th, Martin Kaymer and Matti Schmid (both -6) tied for 32^nd, Freddy Schott (Even Par) finished tied for 57^th. Kaymer, who remains the only German winner after the 35^th BMW International Open, said: “It was really a great week, there were many children and young people there. When I first watched a tournament, I was totally happy if I got a ball or a glove as a gift. Now you can give that back and maybe inspire one or two children or young people. I hope that I can come back next year. The BMW International Open is just close to my heart.”