The European Swing concludes in Germany this week at the BMW International Open. Here are your five things to know.
Ferguson back at scene of emotional triumph
Ewen Ferguson was left teary-eyed after winning the BMW International Open last year. A month on from retiring at the European Open due to a vertigo, the Scotsman showed the power of resilience as he held his nerve down the stretch to become a three-time DP World Tour winner. Tied with Jordan Smith going into the final round, played in challenging conditions after extensive morning rain, Ferguson shot a closing 68 at Golfclub München Eichenried for a two-shot win over his English playing partner and Australian David Micheluzzi. In doing so he joined countrymen Sandy Lyle and Colin Montgomerie as just the third Scottish winner of the event. "The last four holes I felt like I was in a dream," said Ferguson. "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. 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 victory also earned him a place at The Open Championship – something he will be hoping to replicate as he bids to become the first back-to-back winner since the tournament’s inception in 1989.
Prizes at stake as Swing concludes
After five counting events in as many countries, including historic national opens, the European Swing reaches a climax in Germany. There are 3,500 Race to Dubai Ranking points again on offer, 585 of those for the winner. The winner of the Swing will earn exemption into each of the Back 9 events from August onwards, a $US200,000 bonus and a spot in the Genesis Scottish Open if not already exempt. Martin Counvra leads the Swing heading into the final event but Kristoffer Reitan, Nicolai von Dellingshausen, Adrien Saddier, Connor Syme, Ferguson and Haotoong Li could all still take home the prize, As well as that, the top five, not otherwise exempt, from the Race to Dubai Rankings (within the top 20) after the BMW International Open get a spot into The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush later this month.
BMW continues commitment to educational projects
BMW Group will again be campaigning for educational projects, with the “Eagles for Education” initiative. As with the past two years, the German vehicle manufacturer, will donate 1,000 euros for every eagle made during the BMW International Open. The funds raised will go to a regional organisation, which utilises sports as a tool to convey social values and promote the education of children and young people, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. The organisation will be announced on Wednesday. In 2023, the BMW Group started the “Eagles for Education“ initiative, making use of numerous BMW golf tournaments around the world to fulfil its responsibility as a corporate citizen and to participate in solutions to social challenges.
A festival of action for the fans
Just like with the BMW PGA Championship, the BMW International Open combines four rounds of world-class golf action with entertainment and a celebrity Pro-Am. Showcasing another side of golf, 'Launch Control' will see 2022 Long Drive World Champion Martin Brogmeier take part in an exciting long drive event right after play concludes in the third round on Saturday. The German won last year's edition and will go up against other international competitors from the long drive scene. Cassandra Meyer, who won last year's women's competition, will also be in action and the American will compete against a male tour professional, with other surprise guests also set to contribute. Before that, Borgmeier will be involved in the Pro-Am tournament on Wednesday alongside a host of stars from sport. They include former Real Madrid and Wales footballer Gareth Bale and former Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhutl, who was most recently in charge of VfL Wolfsburg. Former German tennis player Philipp Kohlschreiber will also showcase his skills with a golf club.
Inside the field
It is fifting that the three winners of the previous three Global Swings in Phase One of the 2025 Race to Dubai should all be in Munich this week. John Parry, who won the Opening Swing, will play alongside Laurie Canter and Keita Nakajima, who won the International Swing and Asian Swing repsectively, over the opening two rounds. There are 20 winners from the season so far teeing it up, including all five winners from the European Swing so far. Masters champions Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia will generate interest as will the Bryan brothers, with Wesley and George set for their DP World Tour debuts. They are among those to receive an invite alongside Matthew Southgate and Spaniard David Puig. There is a strong German contingent with recent first-time DP World Tour winner Von Dellingshausen joined by Matti Schmid, Yannik Paul and 2008 winner Martin Kaymer among others.
