As if Germany didn’t already have a lot of pride in Martin Kaymer, he put the country’s golf momentum on overdrive two weeks ago when he captured the US Open title, his second Major title.
He’ll have support by the truckload as he pursues a second title at the 2014 BMW International Open beginning Thursday in Cologne. The fans won’t have to wait long to cheer Kaymer either, he’s due to tee off at 7:40 a.m.
He’s hardly the only big name in the field, either. World No. 2 Henrik Stenson, still looking for his first win of the 2014 season after winning both the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai last year, tees up at 12:40 p.m. Stenson is also a former champion here, having won the crown in 2006.
Thomas Bjorn, the current Race to Dubai leader, is back after missing the US Open due to injury. Bjorn is a two-time winner at Cologne, in 2000 and 2002.
Other big names paired together include: Sergio Garcia, Jamie Donaldson and Mikko Ilonen together on the back nine at 7:30 a.m.
Last year’s champion, Ernie Els, will not return to defend his title. The tournament is being held at Golf Club Gut Larchenhof.
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