BMW Press Release Archive
Spectators can look forward to a great day out when they attend this year’s BMW Championship, to be held on the West course at the Wentworth Club on May 25th to 28th.
Since last year, Wentworth’s West course has been extensively revamped by a design team headed by former Open and US Open champion, Ernie Els, and spectator facilities at the site have also been upgraded to reflect the growing reputation of the Championship within the game of golf.
The BMW Championship is widely regarded as the flagship event on the European Tour and that status has been consolidated by the alterations that have been instigated:
• This year’s Tented Village has been expanded to include a new Moet & Chandon Brasserie and an enlarged Exhibition area.
• The Spectator Grandstand around the 18th green has been increased to hold 1,400 spectators.
• Increased capacity Spectator Grandstands are also situated on the 2nd, 14th and 16th holes
• The Public Crèche has been upgraded to include improved outside facilities
• The BMW Drivers Club has been moved to a new position next to the Moet & Chandon Brasserie and close to the 18th green. It will offer café, bar and restaurant facilities.
• The BMW Drivers car park has moved alongside the Practice Area and closer to the 1st tee and 18th green
“BMW is known as the Ultimate Driving Machine and we want the BMW Championship to be viewed in the same sort of light,” said Jim O’Donnell, the Managing Director of BMW UK and the President of BMW Championship.
“Last year’s Championship was a tremendous success but we would like to think the changes we have made will make this year’s event an even more attractive to spectators.
The 2005 BMW Championship was won by Argentina’s Angel Cabrera who joins a stellar list of champions including Peter Alliss, Tony Jacklin, Peter Oosterhuis, Arnold Palmer, Neil Coles, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie.
Visitors can purchase a range of tickets for this year’s BMW Championship from the Credit Card Hotline on 01782 742998.
Adult five-day season tickets (May 24-28) cost £60 while season tickets for Senior Citizens and the Disabled are £25. Adult daily tickets cost £25 for tournament days while daily tickets for Senior Citizens and the Disabled are £10. The prices for 2006 are unchanged from last year and include a complimentary programme and draw sheet.
Further information about ticketing can be found at www.europeantour.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Tickets can also be bought on the day.
BMW and The European Tour have announced that BMW has extended its commitment to the BMW Championship by a further two years until 2010, and that the event will now be known as the BMW PGA Championship, with a record prize fund of €4,350,000 at Wentworth Club, Surrey, England from May 24-27, 2007.
This new agreement further enhances the global relationship between The European Tour and BMW, which encompasses the BMW Asian Open and the BMW International Open in Munich, as well as BMW’s position as Official Car of The European Tour and Official Car at The 2006 Ryder Cup.
The prize fund of €4,350,000 shows an increase of €100,000 from 2006, with the field, headed by defending Champion David Howell of England, chasing a new record first prize of €725,000.
Meanwhile, the title of the event will again incorporate the initials PGA in recognition of the vibrant partnership between BMW and The European Tour and the rich history of a Championship that dates back to 1955 and is widely regarded as the Tour’s Flagship Event.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Director of Central Marketing and BMW Brand Management, BMW AG, said: „I am pleased that we have extended our title partnership of the BMW PGA Championship for two more years. This also reflects the strong commitment of BMW to our international golf sports activities with all our engagements being planned for the long term, setting high standards and allowing the audiences to experience the BMW brand. We are delighted that from 2007 the title of the tournament will incorporate the traditional PGA name, as it gives the tournament even more prestige and raises our partnership to another level.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “BMW is one of the most distinctively recognisable brands in the motor industry and The European Tour’s partnership with them has enhanced the status of the PGA Championship. We thank BMW for their superb support on a worldwide basis and their recognition of the PGA Championship as the Players’ Flagship event.
“In 2007 the BMW PGA Championship will continue to be regarded as the Players’ own Championship and we look forward to a world class field challenging defending Champion David Howell for the title on the superb West Course which complements the further improvements Ernie Els and Wentworth Club have made during this last winter.”
Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director of BMW UK and the President of the BMW PGA Championship, commented: “The extended contract and increase in prize money is a demonstration of our commitment to this great Championship. I am also delighted that this year’s event returns for a 27th time to the West Course at Wentworth Club, where David Howell will defend his title.”
“The BMW PGA Championship remains something special, both to the players and the public alike, and we believe that together with our partners at The European Tour, we can continue to enhance that reputation in the years to come.”
BMW is the promoter of three events on The 2007 European Tour International Schedule through the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, the BMW Asian Open, to be held at Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC, China, from April 19-22 and the BMW International Open, at Golfclub München-Nord, Eichenried, Germany, from June 21-24.
In addition, the inaugural BMW Championship on the US PGA Tour – the third of four season-ending events in America - will be played from September 6-9, 2007 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Chicago.
Two BMW champions were crowned this weekend, and in a unique ceremony both golfers were brought together at Wentworth Club following the culmination of the BMW PGA Championship.
After her victory at the BMW Ladies Italian Open on Saturday, Trish Johnson was flown over to England by BMW to attend the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club on Sunday, where she joined Anders Hansen at the presentation ceremony.
“This is the first time that BMW has been title partner of two separate events running side by side in one week, and we are delighted that Trish Johnson is here to join us at the BMW PGA Championship.” commented Peter Walker, General Manager of Sports Marketing for BMW UK. “Both events this weekend have seen some fantastic golf, witnessed by substantial galleries, and we are delighted to be represented by two fine champions.”
In a week that saw one of the finest fields ever assembled at a European Tour Event, Hansen shot a final round 69 to claim the 2007 BMW PGA Championship, over Wentworth’s famed West Course. He still needed to overcome local hero Justin Rose in a play-off before he could finally lift the trophy. Hansen took home a cheque for €725,000 and his second PGA title, having previously won in 2002.
Starting the day five shots behind for the lead, Hansen produced some flawless golf in what were truly challenging final day conditions.
In Italy, English Solheim Cup stalwart, Trish Johnson, rolled back the years to claim her 18th worldwide victory and first since 2004, at the BMW Ladies Italian Open on Saturday, in what was a thrilling finale over the Sheraton Parco de Medici course in Rome.
Johnson predicted ahead of her final round that she would need to shoot 66 to win the tournament, and she was right. A scintillating final round 62 from German sensation Bettina Hauert, including a back nine of eight-under-par 29, to tie the Ladies European Tour’s record for the lowest nine holes in a tournament, saw her charge through the field to hold a three stroke advantage at the end of her round.
Needing to birdie the final three holes to overtake Hauert, Johnson rallied with birdies at the 16th and 17th to draw level, and then, needing to birdie the par-five 18th for victory, she hit her 105-yard approach shot to three feet with a 52 degree wedge and rolled in the birdie putt for victory.
Commenting on her win Johnson said, “I am thrilled to be invited by BMW to join the prize-giving at Wentworth, it is a real honour for me and for Ladies golf to be present at the culmination of the flagship event”.
BMW is the title partner of three events on the 2007 European Tour Schedule including, the BMW Asian Open, in Shanghai, China, the BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club, England and the BMW International Open, Munich, Germany. In the United States, BMW is the title partner of the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship, played over Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Chicago, 6th-9th September.
BMW and The Barclays Scottish Open have announced that BMW has extended its association with the event, signing a new three year deal to be the Official Car Supplier to the Championship.
The new agreement further enhances the relationship between BMW and one of the premier events on the European Tour. The Barclays Scottish Open, played at the renowned Loch Lomond Golf Club, is traditionally held the week preceeding The Open Championship. This year’s event takes place from July12th-15th 2007.
Under the terms of the agreement, BMW will provide 50 on-site vehicles as well as additional support vehicles. There will be two fleets of cars, one for players and one for VIP guests. BMW cars will also be on display in the tented village, and an M 5 Touring car will be on offer as a hole-in-one prize.
“The Barclays Scottish Open is one of the premier events on The European Tour. It is also played on a world-class golf course so we are delighted that BMW will continue its association the event for the next three years. said Peter Walker, BMW UK’s General Manager of Sports Marketing.
“We are delighted that BMW will continue their association with The Barclays Scottish Open. This agreement further strengthens the global relationship between BMW and The European Tour, commented Peter Adams, Tournament Director, Barclays Scottish Open
BMW is the promoter of three events on The 2007 European Tour International Schedule through the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, the BMW Asian Open, to be held at Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC, China, from April 19-22 and the BMW International Open, at Golfclub München-Nord, Eichenried, Germany, from June 21-24.
In addition, the inaugural BMW Championship on the US PGA Tour – the third of four season-ending events in America - will be played from September 6-9, 2007 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Chicago.
For additional information, contact James Lovett at GMS on 014387183899 or email: james@gmsgolf.co.uk
BMW and the PGA have announced that BMW will continue its sponsorship of the Gulf Air Pro-Captain Challenge.
The Gulf Air Pro-Captain Challenge has been running since 1993 and is traditionally one of the most popular dates on the amateur golfing calendar. Qualifiers are held throughout the year at a variety of golf courses across the country, culminating with the Grand Final in October at the magnificent Riffa Golf Club in Bahrain.
The format of the event is ? how many qualifiers etc getting info from the PGA
Riffa Golf Club is the first 18-hole grass golf course to have been built in the Gulf State of Bahrain, and is just 15 minutes from the country’s capital Manama. The course itself is an $18 million golfing oasis, with luscious fairways carved out of the desert sands. At 6,817 yards, this Karl Litten designed desert masterpiece features five lakes and more than 600 date palms.
“The Pro-Captain Challenge has a long history of being one of the finest Amateur golf events around, and BMW is delighted to be able to continue its association,” commented Peter Walker, BMW UK’s General Manager of Sports Marketing.
“We are delighted that BMW have agreed to continue its sponsorship of the event,” said Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the PGA.” We hope that this years event will be every bit as successful as last year, where 27 teams competed in the Grand Final at Riffa Golf Club.”
BMW is the promoter of three events on The 2007 European Tour International Schedule through the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, the BMW Asian Open, to be held at Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC, China, from April 19-22 and the BMW International Open, at Golfclub München-Nord, Eichenried, Germany, from June 21-24.
In addition, the inaugural BMW Championship on the US PGA Tour – the third of four season-ending events in America - will be played from September 6-9, 2007 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Chicago.
For additional information, contact James Lovett at GMS on 014387183899 or email: james@gmsgolf.co.uk
BMW UK has announced that renowned clothing manufacturer Oscar Jacobson has agreed to supply clothing to Event Staff and Courtesy Car Drivers at this years BMW PGA Championship, played at Wentworth Club, Surrey, England from May 24-27.
Under the terms of the agreement, Oscar Jacobson will supply a selection of trousers, belts, shirts and jackets to over 50 courtesy car drivers and all BMW staff working at the event.
“Oscar Jacobsen is one of the leading golf brands in Europe today, we are delighted that all the BMW team at this year’s tournament will be wearing their products,” said Peter Walker, BMW UK’s General Manager of Sports Marketing.
Oscar Jacobson is a Swedish brand name that dates back over 100 years. Its designs stem from a long-standing tradition of expertise and quality, incorporating modern day high-street and golf fashion. The company has established itself as one of Europe’s leading sportswear brands since the launch of its Golf collection back in the 1980’s. Oscar Jacobsen is one of the Official Clothing partners to the European Tour and the Ryder Cup.
“Widely regarded as the flagship event on The European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship will offer the perfect opportunity for Oscar Jacobsen to showcase both its golf and high-street garments to the broad base of spectators attending the tournament,” said Peter Bannington, Oscar Jacobson’s UK Sales Manager
The BMW Championship, the European Tour’s flagship event, is played over the legendary West Course, originally designed by Harry Colt and recently revised by former Open and US Champion and Wentworth Club touring professional, Ernie Els. The Championship, which counts Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Colin Montgomerie, Jose-Maria Olazábal, Arnold Palmer, Ian Woosnam and 2006 Champion David Howell among its roll call of winners, offers golf fans a rare opportunity to see the world’s leading players compete so close to London
For additional information, contact James Lovett at GMS on 014387183899 or email: james@gmsgolf.co.uk
Spectators can look forward to a great day out when they attend this year’s BMW PGA Championship, to be held on the West course at the Wentworth Club on May 24th to 27th.
The BMW PGA Championship is widely regarded as the flagship event on the European Tour and that status has been enhanced by a host of additions to this years spectator facilities.
The BMW Exhibition, Nokia Academy and a PING Custom Fitting Centre are just some of the of the new interactive features to be found in the official Tented Village that also houses a BMW Drivers’ Lounge, a crèche, a large merchandise area, a giant scoreboard, a Moët Bar & Brasserie and variety of other public catering facilities.
The centrepiece of this year’s tented village will be a spectacular BMW exhibition featuring an array of modern and classic BMW cars and motorbikes, as well as a driving simulator and an interactive golf feature. The highlight of the display will be the BMW hydrogen car that symbolises BMW’s drive for EfficientDynamics.
The new Nokia Academy will give spectators the opportunity to have their golf swings recorded using the latest Nokia equipment. These video clips can then be uploaded to the SwingZone where the swing can be analyzed by expert staff.
The PING Custom Fitting Centre gives visitors the chance to book a fitting session with one of PING’s Custom Fitting Experts, and try their best-selling G5 and Rapture golf clubs. The facility will feature 3-bays equipped with launch monitors and the latest hi-tech custom fitting equipment.
“The Nokia Academy and the PING Custom Fitting Centre are just two of the new attractions to be found in the Tented Village,” said Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director of BMW UK. “Last year’s Championship was a enormous success but we would like to think the changes we have made will make this year’s event even more attractive to spectators.
Last years Championship was won by England’s David Howell, who joins an impressive list of past champions that includes Peter Alliss, Tony Jacklin, Peter Oosterhuis, Arnold Palmer, Neil Coles, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie.
Visitors can purchase a range of tickets for this year’s BMW PGA Championship from the Ticket Hotline on 0800 0232557 or by visiting www.europeantourtickets.com
The 2007 BMW Championship, May 26th-29th 2007, offers the business community a wonderful opportunity to entertain their clients less than an hour from the centre of London. The superb Wentworth Club is just 25 miles southwest of London and within 45 minutes from Waterloo station. It is also close to the motorway network and less than 30 minutes drive from both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
The BMW Championship, the European Tour’s flagship event, is played over the legendary West Course, originally designed by Harry Colt and recently revised by former Open and US Champion and Wentworth Club touring professional, Ernie Els. The Championship, which counts Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Colin Montgomerie, Jose-Maria Olazábal, Arnold Palmer, Ian Woosnam and 2006 Champion David Howell among its roll call of winners, offers golf fans a rare opportunity to see the world’s leading players compete so close to London
Wentworth’s famed castellated Clubhouse will be home to the unique dining experience inspired by Mark Hix, British Chef Director, Caprice group of Restaurants. This includes breakfast, a champagne reception and lunch with fine wines. A complimentary bar runs throughout the day both in the Clubhouse and the Halfway House and guests will enjoy reserved seats in the 18th green grandstand.
Mark Hix is one of the finest of an exciting new generation of British Chefs, and working closely with Wentworth Head Chef, Stephen Tonkin, who spent 14 years at The Ivy, he has designed a menu that will use the freshest seasonal ingredients that will set Wentworth Hospitality apart from its peers
“Hospitality packages at the BMW Championship are always in high demand due to Wentworth Club’s proximity to the centre of London. This year we have upgraded our packages to offer our customers a truly exceptional day out in palatial surroundings,” said David Watt, Head of European Tour Hospitality.
“The BMW Championship is also the first European Tour event to be staged in the United Kingdom in 2007, reinforcing the message that it is the place to be for businesses who want to entertain their customers at a premiere sporting event.”
The 2006 BMW Championship was won by popular Englishman, Howell, who compiled rounds of 68, 65, 69 and 69 to finish five strokes ahead of a world class field that also included Michael Campbell, Paul Casey, Darren Clarke, Luke Donald, Els, Padraig Harrington, Montgomerie, Olazábal, Lee Westwood and Ian Woosnam.
For advanced booking please go to www.europeantour.com/hospitality or contact European Tour Hospitality on 01344 840483
Retief Goosen of South Africa, who came close to securing his third Major Championship when he tied for second place at the recent Masters Tournament, has confirmed his participation in the 2007 BMW PGA Championship over the West Course at Wentworth Club from May 24-27.
The World Number Eight will join a world class field chasing the €725,000 winner’s cheque from a record prize fund of €4,350,000.
Goosen has played in the BMW PGA Championship – widely recognised as one of golf’s most prestigious titles – on 14 previous occasions and has yet to miss the event since becoming a Full Member of The European Tour in 1993. His best result came in 1999 when he finished tied fourth.
A truly international golfer, Goosen has accumulated titles all around the globe including the US Open in 2001 and 2004 which secured his place among the game’s elite.
He has won 14 times on The European Tour International Schedule and four times on the US PGA Tour, the most recent success coming at The Commercialbank Qatar Masters in January when he produced a birdie-eagle finish to pip Australian Nick O’Hern by a shot.
Goosen said: “This is a tournament that everyone on The European Tour would dearly love to win and I’m certainly no exception.
“I have played in the event every year since 1993 and hopefully this time I can make a few more putts and lift the trophy. It was nice to get another win under my belt in Qatar earlier in the season and to come back from Augusta after a good weekend’s work. Hopefully that will give me the confidence to contend for the BMW PGA title at Wentworth.”
The 2007 BMW PGA Championship will boast one of the strongest fields on The European Tour International Schedule, with many of the world’s best players in action. All four days will be broadcast live on BBC Television.
Advance ticket savings on the 2007 BMW PGA Championship can be made by booking online at www.europeantourtickets.com or by telephoning +44 (0) 800 023 2557 by May 1, 2007. For Hospitality packages, please call The European Tour Hospitality Department on +44 (0) 1344 840483.