BMW International Open - Day one digest

Everything you need to know from day one at Golfclub München Eichenried.

Maximilian's rare bird gave the home crowd something to shout about, while Li tied the course record on day one of the 2022 BMW International Open.

Here is everything you need to know from day one at Golfclub München Eichenried.

Kieffer's awesome albatross

Maximilian Kieffer won't forget Thursday's opening round in a hurry. The home favourite enjoyed excellent support from the bumper crowds at Golfclub München Eichenried and he repaid them in style at the par-five 11th, securing an extremely rare albatross. His second shot from the left rough took two bounces before landing straight in the cup and the crowd went wild. He said: "It’s my first albatross, and to do it here with the German fans it was super special. It’s something I’ll always remember."

Fox flourishes despite little sleep

After firing an eagle and four birdies in his flawless 66, Ryan Fox revealed he was ready for an afternoon nap, having been up for most of the night. He said: "I’m pretty tired now. Jet lag got me coming back from the US this week and our little one was sick overnight, she was vomiting and woke up with a massive temperature this morning as well. I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep, so I’m looking forward to a nap this afternoon. It didn’t affect the golf too much, so maybe I should do it every day."

Li goes very low

Big-hitter Li Haotong made it look easy on Thursday, securing six birdies and two eagles for a course record-equalling 62. He got his reward for a brilliant second shot at the sixth, rolling in his eagle putt from six feet to hit the front, and another incredible approach into the ninth - his final hole - set up a second eagle from around four feet. He finished the day on ten under par, one clear of nearest challenger Daan Huizing.

Long enjoys home comforts

Germany's Hurly Long was among the very earliest starters on day one, going out at 0730 local time. Due to his early tee time, he didn't know how big the crowds would be, but the locals were out in numbers - something Long was pleased to see. He said: "I started at 7:30, so you’re not expecting thousands of people, but especially on that last hole, the ninth, there’s so many people out there and they are supporting us. It’s a great, prestigious event and the Germans love their golf, it’s just a lot of fun."