+++ Molinari, Saddier, and Hoshino leading after the first round +++ Three German players close behind +++ Takumi Kanaya (JPN) hits a hole-in-one +++ Pros raise 22,000 Euro for “Eagles for Education” on Thursday +++ Evening play interrupted by storms
Munich. The BMW International Open 2023 got off to an impressive start. In the morning, Takumi Kanaya from Japan stunned the crowd by hitting a hole-in-one with a 9-iron from 155 meters at the 12th hole. The tournament also featured excellent scores and a competitive leaderboard filled with talented German players, promising an exciting competition until Sunday.
Kanaya, who won this year’s BMW Japan Golf Championship, not only made the shot of the day but also claimed the first eagle of the tournament. In recognition of the eagles scored, the BMW Group pledged to donate 1,000 Euro to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organizations. These charitable donations support fair opportunities and educational equality, and on Thursday, the pros managed to record 22 eagles while contributing to a good cause.
At the top of the leaderboard is Edoardo Molinari, one of the European Ryder Cup team’s vice-captains who are competing alongside captain Luke Donald (ENG, -3, T35). Molinari, along with Adrien Saddier from France and Japanese golfer Rikuya Hoshino, secured a share of the lead with a score of 66 strokes (-6).
Molinari expressed satisfaction with his opening round but acknowledged room for improvement in putting. He praised his driving and iron play, aiming to enhance his putting skills and balance aggressiveness and strategy on the challenging pin positions.
A group of German players, including Thomas Rosenmüller, Marc Hammer, and Max Kieffer, is just one shot behind the leaders with a score of five under par. Rosenmüller, playing at his home club, started strong with a round of 67, while Hammer and Kieffer also made an impressive start with four consecutive birdies.
Kieffer particularly expressed his love for the BMW International Open, describing it as his favorite tournament due to its historical significance, special atmosphere, and wonderful crowd. Despite the pressure, he managed to cope well and hoped to maintain momentum for the upcoming rounds.
Notably absent from the leaderboard is the top-placed German player, Yannik Paul, who had a good chance but had to withdraw due to back problems. Additionally, Thomas Bjørn, the two-time BMW International Open winner, couldn’t participate this year as he battles a painful shoulder condition.
Defending champion Haotong Li faced a challenging day, finishing well behind after a double bogey at the first hole and another at the sixth. To make it to the weekend, Li will need an exceptional performance in tomorrow’s round.
The second round of the BMW International Open will commence on Friday morning at 7:30 at the Golfclub München Eichenried. Players who were unable to finish their first rounds on Thursday evening will have the opportunity to catch up on Friday starting from 8:00. For an overview of all tee times and groups, refer to the “Tee times” PDF document.
Visit www.bmw-golfsport.com for the latest scores, more information about the BMW International Open, and a livestream of the event.
Access the latest pictures from the 34th BMW International Open at the Golfclub München Eichenried below or at any time via www.press.bmwgroup.com.