BMW International Open 2009: crowd favourite Daly joins field.

Californian further strengthens world-class line-up.

Munich. While the world’s top golfers tee off at the US Open in Bethpage (New York) on Thursday, final preparations are underway at Golfclub Munich Eichenried for the next highlight on the competitive calendar. Stars including Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and Martin Kaymer (Germany) are set to play at the 21st BMW International Open from 25th to 28th June. The tournament is one of the most prestigious titles on the European Tour and boasts total prize money of two million Euros.

Shortly before the deadline, John Daly has now confirmed that he will be playing in the tournament at Golfclub Munich Eichenried. Second place at the 2009 BMW Italian Open in May proved that the favourite with the crowds is still a force to be reckoned with. The charismatic American returns to the European Tour after just one appearance in the USA. The big-hitter will be looking to win back the BMW International Open title he last captured in 2001.

In the last few days Spaniard Álvaro Quiros and England’s Ross Fisher have also confirmed their participation. Quiros has already won a top tournament on the European Tour this year, having secured victory at the Qatar Masters, and will give Daly a run for his money when it comes to the most spectacular drives at the tournament – nobody in Europe hits the ball further than the Spaniard at the moment. Like Quiros, Fisher is also among the top thirty in the world rankings. This year, 15 of the top 20 players in the “Race to Dubai” (European ranking list) will tee off at the BMW International Open.

“We are delighted to be able to present the public in Munich with another excellent mixture of world-class players and crowd favourites at the 21st BMW International Open, and are looking forward to what promises to be a very exciting tournament,” said Tournament Director Marco Kaussler at today’s press conference.

Further modifications have been made to the course ahead of this year’s tournament. For example, the 15th hole (par 4) in particular has been redesigned. “The fairway has been lengthened by 62 meters to 424 meters,” explains Korbinian Kofler, Managing Director of GC Munich Eichenried: “This makes the hole more challenging and gives a completely new perspective from the championship tee.” The 11th green (par 5) is also more attractive, thanks to a new bank reinforcement.