Kaymer makes history with BMW play-off victory

6/22/2008

Martin Kaymer became the first German to win the BMW International Open in its 20 year history after bravely holding off Dane Anders Hansen in a play-off at Golfclub München Eichenried.

Kaymer started the final day six shots clear of the field but this was no victory stroll in front of an adoring gallery. After three days of superb golf Kaymer struggled to the turn in 38 and ran up a triple-bogey eight on the long 11th, putting two balls in the lake short of the green.

But the 23 year old, now sixth in the Ryder Cup race, birdied two holes later and then, needing another on the par five last to match Hansen's 15 under par total, was on in two and almost made a 40 foot putt for eagle and the €333,330 first prize.

Back they went to the same hole and while Hansen was in two bunkers Kaymer hit a massive drive and an even better six iron approach to seven feet. When the two-time BMW PGA Champion three-putted for a bogey six, Kaymer had three for it, but two-putted for birdie.

English trio Paul Casey, John Bickerton and Mark Foster tied for third on 13 under par 275.

Hansen, who had knee surgery under a month ago and was originally told he could be out for four to six weeks, had been eight behind at the start of the day, but closed with two 67s.

Leaderboard – Final:

1.  Martin Kaymer                      GER 68 63 67 75 273 -15
2.  Anders Hansen                     DEN 69 70 67 67 273 -15
3.  John Bickerton                      ENG 70 70 68 67 275 -13
     Paul Casey                           ENG 70 68 67 70 275 -13
     Mark Foster                          ENG 67 72 68 68 275 -13
6.  Francois Delamontagne          FRA 70 66 70 71 277 -11
     Robert-Jan Derksen               NED 74 69 69 65 277 -11
     Martin Erlandsson                  SWE 70 70 71 66 277 -11
     Thomas Levet                       FRA 69 69 67 72 277 -11
     Henrik Stenson                     SWE 69 68 72 68 277 -11

16. Alex Čejka                           GER 7467 71 68 280 - 8

Source: European Tour