Marc Warren claimed the fourth European Tour win of his career by holing a five-footer to win the Austrian Open at Diamond Country Club, holding off Sebastian Garcia-Rodriguez. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

SCOT Marc Warren ended a six-year wait for his fourth European Tour title by winning the Austrian Open.

Warren, who last tasted victory at the 2014 Made In Denmark, came out on top as the European Tour and European Challenge Tour seasons restarted after a four-month break – due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The 39-year-old from East Kilbride started the final day at Diamond Country Club in a share of the lead with Germany’s Nicolai von Dellingshausen.

But it was an enthralling battle with Spanish youngster Sebastian Garcia-Rodriguez which he had to overcome to for his first win in six years on the European Tour.

Warren, who won the 2006 Scandinavian Masters and the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles a year later, was asked what had happened to his game over the past six years?

He said: “What’s happened on the golf course in the years since then? I’ve played very poorly.

“The break has been unfortunate for everyone. But it came at a good time for me, spending some time at home and trying to get my game ready to play golf.

“It was nice to have such a long break with the family. The last few weeks I’ve been able to get some good work done and get ready to play golf.

“Came out of it pretty refreshed,” added Warren, who also partnered Colin Montgomerie in the WGC-World Cup, losing to Germany in a play-off.

“Carrying my bag this week probably helped tone it down a little – just going out and playing and seeing what happens,” he said.

“The result couldn’t have been any better.”

Playing without caddie ‘different’

WARREN admitted it had “been different” playing without a caddie – the first time since 2005, some 15 years.

Mark said: “Hopefully this is the one and only time, no matter what I say. I do enjoy the caddie’s company.

“Especially on days like yesterday. Last night I had a few nice texts from some of the caddies who are good friends.

“I didn’t say it, but I was thinking I could have done with one of them yesterday, it was brutal.

“At times like that you appreciate what a great job they do. I’m looking forward to getting a caddie on the bag again.”

Warren also admitted that he had been watching and also avoiding the leaderboards in round four.

“In my head the tournament doesn’t start until the back nine,” said the Scot who holed the winning putt at the 2001 Walker Cup against the USA at Sea Island, playing alongside Luke Donald, Richard McEvoy and Graeme McDowell – all fellow European Tour winners.

“A lot can happen on the front nine here,” said Warren. “There’s a lot of water about. It was tough. The wind was swirling.”

Marc Warren – a Walker Cup winner in 2001 – pictured front right with Graeme McDowell. Luke Donald, Nick Dougherty, and Richard McEvoy at Sea Island, Georgia

Regaining full status after victory No. 4 ‘huge’

MARC WARREN, who was the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year in 2006 12 months after claiming the Challenge Tour Order of Merit, revealed he nearly made a miscalculation while carrying his own clubs.

“Sebastian got off to a great start, made three at the first. He started 10-under, but I thought he started 11. I had him one shot better than he was,” he said.

“When we got to the last five or six, seeing how tight it was, I was just trying to commit as much as possible to the shots.

“Around the turn I hit a couple of great shots on nine and 10 – made two birdies. Hit a really good iron shot on 11, but the wind didn’t move it and I made bogey.

“I felt like that set me back a little bit. But I holed a good birdie putt on 15 and then a good putt on 17 that was really steep downhill from about 15 feet.

“I was trying to make sure I didn’t run it past. I tried to get the pace right and fortunately it went right in the middle.

“It’s massive. Going from a few hours ago I didn’t have full status. Now to be in a winner’s category and plan the year a little bit is good.

“I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, trying to hit one shape all the time, and when I do play – try and do that and try not to mess about too much,” added Warren, whose enjoyed the most successful part of his career after teaming up with the late Bob Torrance.

Marcel Schneider set clubhouse target at 12-under

GARCIA-Rodriguez eagled the first to move to within a shot, and the pair shared the lead coming down the home straight until Marc Warren made his sixth birdie of the day on the 17^th.

Marcel Schneider whose sole win on the European Challenge Tour came in the Swiss Challenge two years ago

Germany’s Marcel Schneider made a run for the title with a three-under par 69 to hold the clubhouse lead on 12-under, as Warren stood on the 18^th tee.

After Garcia-Rodriguez, who trailed by one with one to play, hit his tee shot into the water, Warren needed just a par which he duly converted from five feet.

Schneider, who shot a course record to lead last year’s Euram Bank Open after the first round, said: “I was practising hard during the ‘off-season.’

“It’s nice that it has showed up so quickly. So I’m quite happy with the result,” said the 2012 Australian Amateur Champion.

“There were a few bad shots here and there, in general I’m really happy.

“It helps to get the confidence going. I’m looking forward to next week. I like the course,” added Schneider, whose only Challenge Tour win came in Switzerland in 2018 – after he lost his European Tour in 2017.

Wil Besseling picked up two wins in the BMW Indoor Invitational series during lockdown

Besseling turns virtual victories into lowest score in R4

DUTCHMAN Wil Besseling carded the joint-low round of the day, a six-under par 66, to take solo third.

Besseling won two of the six BMW Indoor Invitational – played on simulators in May and June during lockdown – at München Eichenried and the final one at Wentworth.

Wil said: “Coming back from four months off, it is really nice to play for a win and I am very pleased where my game is at.

“Yesterday was really tough with the rain and today I played good. Hit a few good shots on the front nine to give myself a lot of opportunities, which I made to get me in contention.

“And I managed to stay bogey-free which is very pleasing, especially on a Sunday playing for the win.

“I was struggling on the back nine all week. I hit it in the water on the par five 16th and managed to make par so happy with that.

“But also happy with the outcome overall as it has definitely been a good week.

“I made all my birdies on the front nine this week. Getting out in five-under really helped me, to get to 10-under par.

“And I saw the leaders didn’t run away with it, so I thought give yourself a chance and see what happens.”

Garcia-Rodriguez was joined by Scottish pair Craig Howie and Connor Syme, alongside Holland’s Darius van Driel on 10-under.

•To see the final scores click here.

Adamstal Golf Club has impressive views in the Austrian Alps

Tour stays in Austria with another dual-ranking event

THE season continues in Austria this week with another dual-ranked event.

The Euram Bank Open is being staged at GC Adamstal, and will be followed by the Betfred British Masters at Close House, the first of the new six-event UK Swing.

The post Marc Warren returns from wilderness after six-year wait to win Austrian Open appeared first on Golf North.

Sergio Garcia salutes a birdie on his way to a five-share of the virtual BMW Indoor Invitational at his favourite Valderrama course. He earned $2,000 for Spain’s Red Cross.

HOME favourites Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera Bello, finished in a five-way tie for first place when a virtual Valderrama hosted the latest leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational.

Masters winner Garcia and his compatriot and fellow Ryder Cup star Cabrera-Bello played in the interactive feature group.

They both finished on one-under after shooting 70s in their 18 holes.

Spain’s famous Ryder Cup venue proved a tricky test in the fourth of five events in the new series of virtual tournaments, using the latest simulator technology powered by TrackMan.

They were joined at the summit in Andalucia by Scotland’s Connor Syme.

The Dundee pro celebrated a second win in the series of virtual events – following his victory at Royal Portrush two weeks ago.

Royal Liverpool’s Matthew Jordan and Frenchman Damien Perrier also carded 70s to secure a share of the $10,000 first prize.

The money will go to charities chosen by each of the five winners.

Garcia famously triumphed three times in the flesh at the Sotogrande venue in the Andalucía Masters between 2011 and 2018.

The 2017 Masters winner opened his round with a triple bogey before recovering with three birdies in the next four holes.

He donated his share of the prize fund to Spain’s Red Cross.

Garcia recently donated to the Red Cross alongside fellow Spanish sports stars to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

Garcia donates his $2k to Red Cross

A DELIGHTED Garcia said: “I can’t think of a better cause than the Red Cross to donate to – to try to help as many people as possible in these very difficult times.

“It’s great to be a part of this and have the possibility to help people who need it most in uncertain times.

“I’m glad that I was able to play well enough to be part of the donation.

“I can’t wait to see all those people get better and hopefully get back to normal lives as soon as possible.

“We had a good time Rafa and I playing together. Unfortunately I had a terrible start with a triple on the first.

“But I came back nicely and Rafa eagled 17 to get to one-under. It was fun to do it.

“It was different. But it shows you how difficult Valderrama is even on TrackMan with pretty benign conditions, that one-under par was a tie for the lead.”

Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello played in the featured group at the BMW Indoor Invitational at a virtual Valderrama. Picture EDAMVALDERRAMA / Instagram

Cabrera-Bello’s rollercoaster round

CABRERO-BELLA had a rollercoaster round that included four birdies and an eagle as well as three bogies and a double.

Rafa said: “It was different of course playing the course on TrackMan, but it did have a lot of similarities – and it did feel pretty real.

“On the green shapes you could see the run-offs and it was playing as real as it could possibly be.

“BMW does a lot of charitable work, not only during these hard times but also every year. They are a very generous company.

“So to be able to participate in this event for charity was really fun. Also to have the opportunity to win alongside friends and share it a little bit was great.”

Syme is celebrating for the second time in three weeks after topping the leaderboard at Royal Portrush.

He said: “It feels great to be a tied winner this week. Guys like Sergio and Rafa were involved. So to compete with them and be tied at the top was cool.

“Valderrama was as tough as it is in real life. On holes like the second – where you try to run it under the tree on the fairway – it is so realistic.

“My wedge game was good and that was the only reason that I managed to get the joint best score.

“It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t thank BMW and TrackMan enough for these opportunities.”

Perrier fizzing with win to follow second

THE 38-player field – which also included former World No. 1 Martin Kaymer and Belgian Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts – competed virtually from their own homes in the 18-hole strokeplay event.

Damien Perrier finished in second place in week one over the Old Course at St Andrews.

And he went one better this time, birdieing the last two holes to recover from a double-bogey on the 16^th and seal a tie for top spot.

He said: “After my second place at St Andrews, I’m very happy to be tied for the win this week alongside great names such as Sergio Garcia, who we all know loves this course.

“I remember the last time I played at Valderrama I was alongside Martin Kaymer.

“We almost didn’t see each other because I spent my whole round enjoying the shadow of the trees. This week I took my revenge and I’m proud of it!”

Virtual Valderrama proved just as tough as the real thing when 38 European Tour players played the BMW Indoor Invitatational. The $10,000 first prize was split five ways for charity

Links-lover Jordan just as at home at Valderrama

MATTHEW Jordan was participating for the second consecutive week and he leapt up the leaderboard after an 18^th place finish last week at Germany’s Munchen Eichenried.

Jordan recorded his first Euorpean Challenge Tour win last summer and earned his European Tour card by finishing ninth on the Race to Mallorca.

The 24-year-old Hoylake ace, who grew up playing links golf, said: “I’m delighted to get the win at Valderrama – it’s one of my favourite courses.

“It’s a bit tight and narrow so any of my friends watching this will be confused as to how I won.

“I would like to say a massive thank-you to BMW, the European Tour and TrackMan for putting this event on.

“Lockdown has been difficult for most of us, so just to have something to look forward to and compete in, has been great.”

The winning fivesome finished one shot ahead of a group of seven players who shot level-par 71s around the virtual Valderrama.

They included French trio Benjamin Hebert, Raphael Jacquelin and Romain Langasque. Kaymer, Italian Nino Bertasio and Cheshire’s Paul Waring were then a shot further back in a tie for 13^th place.

Fans were able to follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational as footage was shown on the European Tour’s social media channels – and at bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Footage can also be seen on Twitter: @europeantour; Instagram: @europeantour and the European Tour’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19 EPIDEMIC FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF ANDALUCIA MASTERS

The post Plenty of drama at virtual Valderrama as five tie at top in BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello are the feature group in the BMW Indoor Invitational played over a virtual Valderrama

GREEN Jacket winner Sergio Garcia and Rolex Series winner Rafa Cabrera-Bello will head the Spanish challenge when the BMW Indoor Invitational heads to Valderrama, on Saturday.

The fourth leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – sees another strong field of nearly 40 European Tour players.

The presence of Garcia and Cabrera-Bello is sure to swell interest in the virtual golf tournament.

Rafa was inspired to play in the Ryder Cup – having been a promising junior when Garcia made his debut for Europe at Brookline, in 1999, aged just 19.

The Spanish stars are this week’s interactive feature group as they tee it up virtually to make their debut in the BMW Indoor Invitational.

Forty-year-old Garcia, who claimed the Masters in a play-off with Justin Rose, in 2017, has fond memories of Valderrama.

The Sergio Garcia Foundation hosted the European Tour’s Andalucia Masters there in 2018, which he won.

Garcia said: “I love Valderrama. Everyone knows it and I have always said it is my favourite golf course.

“I have been fortunate to do very well there. It is my idea of a golf course, not particularly long – but narrow, dog-legs, trees, small greens.

“And it is target golf. That is what I love about Valderrama and one of the reasons it suits my game so well.

“It is something I am really excited about. Obviously, it is something I have done before playing courses with TrackMan.

“But I have not competed on a worldwide stage like this. So I am excited to see how it goes.

“Personally, the time off from golf has been great. We had the birth of our son, our second child Enzo. It has been nice to spend time with my wife Angela and the kids in these very difficult times.

“Here in Texas has been pretty good. I have been able to practise a little bit here and there – which has been nice.

“But it has been hard. It has been really tough in Spain. My family are there, and fortunately have been able to stay home the most part. But it has been quite scary for a while.”

Sergio Garcia claimed his third Andalucia Masters at Valderrama in 2018.
Picture by REAL CLUB VALDERRAMA

Garcia has three Valderrama wins

GARCIA’S victory in the 2018 Estrella Damm NA Andalucía Masters at Valderrama saw him become the first man since Colin Montgomerie to win the same tournament three times in a row in Europe.

Montgomerie won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth from 1998 to 2000.

Cabrera-Bello also cannot wait to join in the interactive fun.

The European Tour announced on Thursday it would resume real live tournaments from July 22, when Lee Westwood hosts the Betfred British Masters at Close House, near Newcastle.

Cabrera Bello, who won the Scottish Open in 2017 for his maiden Rolex Series win, said: “In the last week or so I have picked it up a bit, practising more seriously now – trying to get ready for when we start back.

“Valderrama is a great course. I love it and I always enjoy playing there. It is a really tough challenge.”

Former World No. 1 Martin Kaymer is again in action, while Belgian Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters makes his debut alongside countryman Nicolas Colsaerts – one of the heroes of Medinah in 2012.

The famous 17th hole at Valderrama… will it be crucial when Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrero-Bello star in the featured group in the BMW Indoor Invitational on Saturday?

Valderrama drama for ’97 Ryder Cup

WORLD-renowned Valderrama, hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup.

Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros lead Europe to the first victory over the USA, when the biennial tournament was held on the Continent for the first time in its long history.

It has also hosted a number of prestigious events including the Andalucía Masters, Open de España and the WGC-American Express Championship in 1999 and 2000.

Tournament footage will once again be shown at bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Fans can also follow Garcia and Cabrera-Bello, and the other 36 players, using #BMWTrackManInvitational on social media.

The winner will receive $10,000 to benefit a Coronavirus charity or relief fund of his choice.

Joost Luiten (St Andrews), Connor Syme (Royal Portrush) and Wil Besseling (München Eichenried) won the first three events.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational will be shown from 11am BST on the European Tour’s social media channels.

Go to Twitter: @europeantour
Instagram: @europeantour
The European Tour’s YouTube channel and atbmw.trackmaninvitational.com

• After Valderrama the final event will be held playing the Wentworth Club, on Saturday, June 6.

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Dundee’s Connor Syme claimed victory in the second leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational wiht an eight-under par round of 64 using a TrackMan simulator of Royal Portrush, on Saturday.

CONNOR Syme shot an eight-under par round of 64 to secure a two-shot victory to claim the second of the BMW Indoor Invitational played over simulators featuring Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links.

The Scot finished top of a leaderboard featuring 28 European Tour players in the second of five events in the new series of virtual golf tournaments – powered by TrackMan – using the latest simulator technology.

Following his victory at the Northern Irish venue, which hosted the 148^th Open Championship in 2019, Syme claimed the first prize of €10,000 towards a charity of his choice.

The 24-year-old opted to split the winner’s cheque between two charities – FoodTrain, which supplies meals to the elderly in Dundee,, and Hospice of the Valleys, a charity close to Syme’s heart which provides palliative care.

Syme and the rest of the field – including the winner of last week’s inaugural BMW Indoor Invitational Joost Luiten – competed virtually over the historic links layout from their own homes in the one round, 18-hole strokeplay event.

Flying Scotsman’s fast start

CONNOR SYME got off to a flying start, birdieing the first two holes and picking up two more shots on the sixth and seventh, before his first bogey of the day on the eighth hole.

His round really picked up pace after the turn in an impressive five-hole stretch with an eagle on the 12^th – bookended by two birdies either side.

Despite a second bogey on the 15^th hole, it was enough to secure a two-shot win over Dutchman Will Besseling and Somerset’s Lawrie Canter, following their six-under rounds of 66.

“Seeing the scores from last week I wasn’t really sure how I would fare,” said Syme. “But it was great to get a good score around Royal Portrush.

“I played solid on the front nine and then I just went crazy for a few holes 10 through 14 – that was a cool run to go on.

“It was my first time competing in something like this on TrackMan, so I really had no idea what a good score would be. But I was very happy with the numbers.

“I’ve actually been following a program with Spencer Henderson, the Scotland U18 national coach.

“He’s been keeping us busy on TrackMan, so I probably owe a lot of this win to him. I don’t know how sharp I would have been otherwise.”

Connor Syme read about Stuart Hearn and decided to hand half of his $10,000 prize from the BMW Indoor Invitational to the Food Train charity where the football ref volunteered

Syme moved by Stuart’s story

THE new champion was pleased to be able to make a difference to two causes that are close to him for different reasons.

“Having an opportunity to make a difference with what is going on in the world is great,” said Syme.

“I’m honoured to have won and have the opportunity to hopefully change a few peoples lives.

“Half of my donation will be made to Food Train in memory of Sean Hearn, who I read about this week.

“He was a really valued member of the community in Dundee, a proud charity worker and a community football coach and referee, who gave up his time for others in the town where I live.

“Food Train is the charity he worked with and it distributes food and gives support to elderly people in the city.

“Stories like Sean’s and so many others are reminders of the people who are constantly putting themselves out there, and how many incredible people we have lost during this crisis.

“The remaining $5,000 will go to Hospice of the Valleys. A bit further away from home, but very much close to our hearts.

“My girlfriend’s grandfather unfortunately passed away a couple of days ago after a two-year battle with bowel cancer.

“Hospice of the Valleys have been with him every step of the way and $5,000 would mean a lot to them as it could offer more than a month of service towards someone like my girlfriend’s grandad – an incredible cause.”

Spain’s Adri Arnaus finished in fourth

SPAIN’S Adri Arnaus finished in fourth place at Royal Portrush behind Syme, Besseling and Canter with a four-under par round of 68.

Last week’s winner Luiten – playing in the interactive feature group with Cheshire’s ex-England Amateur Champion Paul Waring – was a shot further back alongside Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan.

Germany’s two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer finished in a tie for 13^th place after an even-par 72.

Fans were able to follow the tournament with footage shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and also streamed on the internet.

Footage can still be seen on Twitter – @europeantour and Instagram – @europeantour was well as on the European Tour’s YouTube channel and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

BMW Indoor Invitational venues and dates:
Saturday May 9 – Old Course, St Andrews (Winner, Joost Luiten)
Saturday May 16 – Royal Portrush (Winner, Connor Syme)
Saturday May 23 – Golfclub München Eichenried
Saturday May 30 – Real Club Valderrama
Saturday June 6 – Wentworth Club

Each of the five tournament winners in the BMW Indoor Invitational will receive $10,000 towards a good cause of their choice.

The post Connor Syme shoots 64 at Royal Portrush to win second BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

A FIELD of 29 European Tour players will take on Royal Portrush in the second event in the European Tour’s BMW Indoor Invitational.

Dutchman Joost Luiten won the inaugural virtual golf tournament – powered by Trackman – last Saturday.

The five-time European Tour winner finished two shots clear of the field over St Andrews’ Old Course using the latest simulator technology.

Luiten is in the field once again and will comprise this week’s interactive feature group with Englishman Paul Waring.

The 2018 Nordea Masters winner is among the new additions to the field along with fellow European Tour winners Alex Levy and Wiltshire’s Jordan Smith.

They join a line-up which includes former World No. 1 and two-time Major champion Martin Kaymer.

They will take on Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links. The Northern Ireland links course hosted the 148^th Open Championship in 2019 – won by Shane Lowry.

He joined Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington as the only golfers from either side of the Irish border to lift the Claret Jug since Fred Daly’s famous win at Hoylake, in 1947.

Follow European Tour action online

LUITEN has never recorded back to back victories in real life tournaments – but he has the chance to achieve the feat virtually this weekend.

Joost said: “I’ve been practising a bit indoors, probably once or twice a week during lockdown to keep the swing going.

“So it was fun to shoot six-under on the Old Course last week and win the inaugural BMW Tackman Invitational. Let’s hope that form continues!

“Royal Portrush is a great track. I played last year’s Open there and it was a good test, so hopefully the weather is a little bit kinder than what we had on Sunday.

“To play these types of famous golf courses, it’s just a lot of fun. That is the great thing with these indoor facilities.

“You can play any course you want, and I think that is really cool for everybody to experience.”

Tournament footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational series will once again be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com.

Fans can follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational. The winner will receive $10,000 to benefit a coronavirus charity or relief fund of his choice.

The new Dunluce Links’ seventh hole at Royal Portrush which architect Martin Ebert redesigned before the 2019 Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951

Waring far from wary about joining field of 29 European Tour players at ‘Royal Portrush’

PAUL Waring is looking forward to pitting his wits against fellow European Tour players using the online simulator.

Waring said: “It’s an innovation really. I have an indoor studio and use Trackman every week when I am away on Tour.

Paul Waring, winner of the Nordea Masters in 2018, is joining the BMW Indoor Invitaational field playing Royal Portrush, on Saturday, using a golf simulator

“So it’s a fantastic idea to introduce the tournament concept because a lot of the lads use the system as well already – so it is great to compete on it.

“I’ve had a little play with it. The short game element takes a little bit of getting used too, but it is one of those things you adapt to quickly as a player.

“I’m looking forward to it – looking forward to the competitive element and a little bit of banter along the way that we all love in sports as well – so can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got some great memories of Royal Portrush. It was one of the first places I played when I came back from injury back in 2012 at the Irish Open – finished top 10 there.

“So it’s deeply burned into my memory and some real positives that have come from there,” added Cheshire’s former English Amateur Champion, who also captained England Boys before turning pro.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational will be shown from 11am on the European Tour’s social media channels.

Check it out on Twitter: @europeantour
Instagram: @europeantour
YouTube: EuropeanTour
and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

After Royal Portrush, the European Tour players will tackle Golfclub München Eichenried, on May 23, Real Club Valderrama (May 30) and Wentworth Club (June 6).

Full field for second in BMW Indoor Invitational series

The full field of European Tour players at Royal Portrush includes:
1. Thomas Aiken
2. Adri Arnaus
3. Wil Besseling
4. Dean Burmester
5. Laurie Canter
6. Aaron Cockerill
7. Sebastian Garcia
8. Joachim B Hansen
9. Benjamin Hebert
10. Raphaël Jacquelin
11. Martin Kaymer
12. Maximilian Kieffer
13. Alexander Levy
14. Zander Lombard
15. Mike Lorenzo-Vera
16. Joost Luiten
17. Adrian Meronk
18. Wilco Nienaber
19. Mathieu Pavon
20. Damien Perrier
21. Kristoffer Reitan
22. Antoine Rozner
23. Matthias Schwab
24. Jason Scrivener
25. Jordan Smith
26. Connor Syme
27. Paul Waring
28. Jeff Winther

The post More European Tour players join field at ‘Royal Portrush’ for BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

Dutchman Joost Luiten made four birdies in five holes on the back nine of the Old Course at St Andrews to win the inaugural BMW Indoor Invitational. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

JOOST Luiten posted a six-under par 66 on the Old Course for a two-shot victory in the inaugural edition of the BMW Indoor Invitational at St Andrews, on Saturday.

The Dutchman finished top of a leaderboard featuring 18 European Tour players in the first of five events in the new series of virtual golf tournaments – using the latest simulator technology.

As a result, he claimed the first prize of €10,000 towards a charity of his choice.

The six-time European Tour winner opted to split the proceeds between his own charity, the Joost Luiten Foundation, and Eramus Medical Centre, a hospital in his native Rotterdam, which has been on the front line in the battle against coronavirus.

Luiten and the rest of the field, which included former World No. 1s Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood, competed virtually over the Old Course at St Andrews from their own homes in the one round, 18 hole strokeplay event – powered by TrackMan.

“It’s a good feeling to win the inaugural event,” said Luiten. “St Andrews is such an iconic course to play.

“Everyone knows it from the TV, so it is a great place to start this.”

“We’ve been doing nothing for such a long time, so it is nice to get that feeling of competition going again.

“You try to stay fit and practise the way you can indoors, but it is different.

“So it is good to have the some nerves and that feeling of actually competing and trying to beat everybody else.

“That’s the most fun for us and that is why we are golf professionals. We have been missing that feeling for a long time, and it was good to get it back and to do well as well.

Luiten birdied the fifth, eighth and ninth holes in a front nine of 33, and then picked up four shots between the 12th and 16th, with just the tricky long uphill 13th not yiedling a birdie.

The Dutchman then carded his only bogey of the day on the 18^th after failing to get up and down from the famous Valley of Sin.

The 34-year-old finished two shots clear of Frenchman Damien Perrier, who fired seven birdies in his opening 14 holes – but then carded three consecutive bogeys from the 15^th in a round of 68.

Dean Burmester Hole In One at the BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan_10 MB MOV_m45885

$10k prize goes to two good causes

LUITEN was also pleased to be able to claim the first prize of $10,000 for his two charities.

Each of the five tournament winners in the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – receiving $10,000 towards good causes of their choice.

“Charity is really important, especially in these times,” Luiten said.

“There is so much going on in the world that just needs money. So it is always good to give back.

“I started my own foundation at the beginning of this year to get kids into golf, so I’m going to give 50 per cent to help get that up and running and to help kids enjoy golf.

“The other 50 per cent will be donated to Eramus MC, a hospital here in Rotterdam and one of the biggest hospitals in Holland.

“They are trying to do a lot of research into stopping coronavirus so hopefully they can do a lot of good things with the money.

“It’s also important to raise awareness too. If everyone gives a little or helps out as much as they can hopefully the situation gets better and we can beat this virus.

“That is the most important thing at the moment, to beat this virus and keep the older people safe too and try to get back to normal life,” said Luiten, whose last real victory came in the 2018 Oman Open.

“It’s always special to win but I’m really proud we can give this money to good causes and every little helps.”

Luiten’s fellow Dutchman Wil Besseling shared third position with Poland’s Adrian Meronk on three-under.

France’s Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Spain’s Adri Arnaus and Somerset’s Laurie Canter tied for fifth after posting 70s.

Wiesberger outscores Major man Kaymer

MEANWHILE Kaymer – the two-time Major Champion – joined Austrian Wiesberger in the interactive feature group.

Wiesberger edged the contest with a level-par 72, while Kaymer took two shots more.

The Austrian said: “It was good fun. It was nice to interact with Martin although I can assure you it wouldn’t normally be like that in a tournament.

“Martin is a great guy so and I enjoyed playing St Andrews, my favourite course, with him on the indoor TrackMan set-up.

“All of us, not just golfers but all athletes, are looking forward to getting back into competition again so it was fun to have set this up and for a good cause too, so thanks to the European Tour, BMW and TrackMan.

“It’s crazy where technology has taken us to that we can play golf tournaments indoors like this – and interact with each other – and still have a lot of fun – even if we have a couple more weeks until we get out there with a scorecard in our hand.”

Kaymer added: “To interact with another player again was nice. That’s what you miss most – the competition, to compete against someone who is as good as you.

“I was quite surprised at myself that I was excited to play, and I also had a bit of nervousness at some stage, which is a bit strange. But I look forward to doing the same again next week.

“For BMW, TrackMan and the European Tour to do a good thing was fun. The winner can donate to their charity every week for five weeks in a row.

“This is a beautiful idea. Especially at this time we’re in right now, giving is more important than ever.”

Watch coverage of BMW Indoor Invitational

TOURNAMENT footage was shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Fans were able to follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational is now available on the European Tour’s social media channels – Twitter: @europeantour; Instagram: @europeantour as well as YouTube: EuropeanTour.

This week’s course will be Royal Portrush (Saturday, May 16), followed by Golfclub München Eichenried (Saturday, May 23), Real Club Valderrama (Saturday, May 30) and Wentworth (Saturday, June 6).

The European Tour announced it was creating the innovative online virtual tournament earlier this week.

The post Luiten lights up back nine on Old Course to claim first leg of BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger have entered the BMW Indoor Invitational which will feature five top European Tour courses over the next five weeks. Pictures by GETTY IMAGES

MARTIN Kaymer and Lee Westwood will go head-to-head from their own homes as the European Tour switches formats for the new BMW Indoor Invitational.

The eSport special is a series of virtual golf tournaments using the latest simulator technology powered by TrackMan that will run over the summer featuring courses including St Andrews, Royal Portrush, Valderrama and the European Tour’s Wentworth HQ, in Surrey.

With regular tournament action currently suspended due to the ongoing global fight against the spread of coronavirus, many leading professionals have been turning to solutions at home to try and keep their game in shape.

Thanks to the latest TrackMan software and simulators, they have been able to keep their golf brain sharp.

So as well as Ryder Cup stars Kaymer and Westwood, Joost Luiten, Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Bernd Wiesberger will start off the BMW challenge.

Players will compete remotely using their home set-up between Monday and Wednesday.

The action will then be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels each Saturday for the next five weeks:

The BMW Indoor Invitational will enable them to compete against each other, with golf fans able to watch all the action – using #BMWTrackManInvitational – on Youtube, Instagram and Twitter.

Tournament footage will also be available via https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Martin Kaymer playing on a simulator using Trackman technology which will be used in the new European Tour online tournament which will run throughout May and early June

The new series will consist of five one-round strokeplay tournaments played virtually on some of Europe’s most iconic golf courses.

Winner will receive £10k for charity

Each tournament winner will receive $10,000 towards their chosen charity or relief fund which has been helping communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saturday May 9 – St Andrews, Old Course
Saturday May 16 – Royal Portrush
Saturday May 23 – Golfclub München Eichenried
Saturday May 30 – Valderrama
Saturday June 6 – Wentworth

Rufus Hack, the European Tour’s chief content officer, said: “While the absolute priority for all of us has been, and continues to be, public health and well-being, we also recognise that golf fans are missing watching the leading players compete.

Hopefully, the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – can help fill the void and provide our fans with some entertainment across the next five weeks while also benefitting charities, or relief funds, which have been so essential in the battle against coronavirus.”

Jörn Plinke, head of BMW Golfsport marketing, said: “In a time when pro golf tours around the world are being forced to take a break, we are able to offer golf fans – as well as the pros themselves – a unique competition in the form of the BMW Indoor Invitational.

“We are looking forward to the coming weeks, an innovative format, and some exciting digital content.

“BMW enjoys long-term partnerships with TrackMan and the European Tour and shares the aspiration to also drive golf further with a digital format.

“Together, we have managed to create a new type of competition, which features a host of top players and, with the prize money on offer, supports local coronavirus initiatives.”

Trackman co-founder Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen said: “BMW, the European Tour and TrackMan teaming up like this is a great example of how the sport can come together and rise above the difficulties of the current situation.

“With TrackMan Virtual Golf, we’re able to play tournaments on iconic, internationally recognised courses that will push the players to their limits.

“The tournament will be extremely challenging but also great fun. We’re all really looking forward to it.”

EUROPEAN TOUR LAUNCHES ESPORTS SERIES – THE EUROPEAN ETOUR

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