Tommy Fleetwood is hoping to continue the good form which almost earned him a maiden Major title at last week’s U.S. Open Championship as the Englishman returns to action at the BMW International Open.
The 26 year old battled it out in the final round at Erin Hills only to fall short as American Brooks Koepka romped to victory, but his best finish in a Major Championship – outright fourth – means he enters this week in confident mood.
Fleetwood enjoys this historic event and the host venue Golfclub München Eichenried, having finished in a share of 11th the last time the tournament took place here in 2015.
Pablo Larrazábal is another player who loves the Munich course – the Spaniard has won here twice, in 2011 and 2015 – and having come close to a fifth European Tour title on a number of occasions this year, he is also in buoyant form.
Player Quotes:
Tommy Fleetwood
“It was a great week, I enjoyed the weekend. You wake up on Saturday and Sunday morning and see how you’re feeling and how you’re coping with everything that comes with being at the top in a Major. That was the best part for me, I felt really comfortable.
“It’s my best finish in a Major so it’s another step forward and it’s always nice to come back and see all your peers saying well done and everything.
“I was playing well last week, but overall my scoring was miles better than it has been. I had a few weeks where I was better but not holing putts, which is the key ingredient to putting!
“I think scoring around the greens – I made a lot of up and downs during the week – and as the week went on I made a lot of good par saves and as the week goes on they’re always going to be key.
“I played great on Saturday, that was the best I played all week, but the rest of the week – as well as I was playing – it was all about the up and downs and I scored well.
“I’m knackered at the moment. I had a shocker yesterday, sleeping for about four hours during the day and that was a schoolboy error, I never learn! Last night wasn’t the best sleep but I’m sure I’ll spruce up eventually.
“It’s always been one of the best events of the year. I’ve played this every year since I’ve been on tour and I’m a BMW ambassador so it’s great to come to their events and do things for them. Everybody enjoys this golf course, it’s a great course.
“In Germany, they’re good proper golf fans and when the weather is like this they’re even better. It’s always been a great event and I think that shows with the players you have coming over to play.
“I actually had two really good rounds here last year – I had a good first round and a good last round, but I played shocking in the second round, holing a big putt at the last to make the cut and then having a good weekend.
“I played decent the other year I played this course. There are a lot of holes set up for scoring and I’ve generally had a good feel on it. I putted well on the greens before so hopefully I can keep that up. I know there’s been a few changes to the course but it’s generally low scoring so you have to come out and play well.”
Pablo Larrazábal
“It’s great to be back. Of the last three times I’ve played here, I got two wins so it feels great, like being at home. I’ve had so many great feelings around this place, it takes you back to those moments which I will remember all of my life.
“It’s playing great out there. Obviously the greens are not that quick yet because it’s Tuesday and it’s very hot so they are going to firm up and get better and better each day. The 13th is 60-70 metres longer so it’s going to play different but the course is still awesome.
“I’ve been playing great, knocking on the door a couple of times. I think three times this year I’ve been playing for the title on Sunday afternoon and that feels great. That’s why we practice, to win golf tournaments, and to do that you have to be fighting for them on Sunday.
“It feels good to come back to a place where I’ve been fighting for the title and won twice, and the year has been great so I’m looking forward to the next five weeks.
“The crowds here are big and hopefully they recognise me from a couple of years ago so I’m ready to show them what I’ve got.”
