Tag: BMW Indoor Invitational

Connor Syme wins BMW Indoor Invitational at Royal Portrush

Connor Syme won the BMW Indoor Invitational on Saturday, playing Royal Portrush virtually via TrackMan.

On-course competitive golf returns in a big way on Sunday with TaylorMade Driving Relief featuring Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson against Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff.

But virtual golf has been in play for a couple weeks now with the BMW Indoor Invitational, where European Tour players are competing in virtual golf tournaments using TrackMan. The tournament benefits coronavirus relief.

In the first tournament last Saturday, Joost Luiten won at St. Andrews, shooting a 6-under 66 on the Old Course. Luiten split his $10,821.59 (€10,000) winnings between his Joost Luiten Foundation and Erasmus Medical Centre, a hospital in his native Rotterdam which has been on the COVID-19 front line.

The second tournament was held Saturday at Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush, host of last year’s British Open won by Irishman Shane Lowry. Led by Luiten and former world No. 1 Martin Kaymer, 28 European Tour pros teed it up with Connor Syme earning the win. Syme shot 8-under 64 to win by two over Lawrie Canter and Will Besseling and is splitting his $10,821.59 (€10,000) earnings between FoodTrain, which supplies meals to the elderly in Dundee, Scotland, and Hospice of the Valleys, a charity which provides palliative care.

Curious what it looks like? Check out Syme’s highlights from his round courtesy of the European Tour.

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Players to compete virtually via TrackMan with BMW Indoor Invitational

Players will compete virtually via TrackMan in the BMW Indoor Invitational, with virtual rounds at St. Andrews and more.

It was only a matter of time until golf events went virtual during the coronavirus pandemic.

With a little help from TrackMan, the European Tour will broadcast the BMW Indoor Invitational, a virtual golf tournament featuring Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Bernd Wiesberger, Joost Luiten and Mike Lorenzo, all from their homes.

“While the absolute priority for all of us has been, and continues to be, public health and well-being, we also recognize that golf fans are missing watching the leading players compete,” said Rufus Hack, the European Tour’s Chief Content Officer. “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 whilst also benefiting charities or relief funds which have been so essential in the battle against coronavirus.”

Here’s how it’ll work: Golfers will play five 18-hole, stroke play tournaments virtually on some of Europe’s most iconic courses. The winner of each event will receive $10,000 to donate to the coronavirus relief effort of their choice.

“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,” added Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen, CEO and Co-Founder TrackMan A/S. “With TrackMan Virtual Golf, we’re able to play tournaments on iconic, internationally recognized 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!”

You can catch all the action on the European Tour’s social media channels, with footage also available here.

BMW Indoor Invitational

Week 1: Saturday, May 9, St. Andrews (Old Course)

Week 2: Saturday, May 16, Royal Portrush

Week 3: Saturday, May 23, Golfclub München Eichenried

Week 4: Saturday, May 30, Real Club Valderrama

Week 5: Saturday, June 6, Wentworth

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