European professional golf players to compete from home
5 May 2020
The BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan, a new series of virtual golf tournaments which will see European Tour players including Martin Kaymer, Joost Luiten, Mike Lorenzo Vera, Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger compete from their homes using the latest simulator technology.
With regular EPGA action currently suspended due to the ongoing global efforts against the spread of Coronavirus, many golf professionals have been turning to solutions at home, including the latest TrackMan software and simulators. This new virtual competition will enable them to compete against each other, giving golf fans the chance to watch all the action on the European Tour’s social media channels using #BMWTrackManInvitational. Tournament footage will also be available via https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com.
Five one-round strokeplay tournaments
The BMW Indoor Invitational will consist of five one-round (18 holes) strokeplay tournaments played virtually on five of Europe’s most iconic golf courses: St Andrews, Old Course (May 9), Royal Portrush (May 16), Golfclub München Eichenried (May 23), Real Club Valderrama (May 30) and Wentworth (June 6). “While the absolute priority for all of us has been, and continues to be, public health and well-being, we also recognise that golf fans are missing watching the leading players compete. 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 benefitting charities or relief funds which have been so essential in the battle against Coronavirus”, said Rufus Hack, the European Tour’s Chief Content Officer.
“In a time when pro golf tours around the world are being forced to take a break, we are able to offer golf fans, as well as the pros themselves, a unique competition in the form of the BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan. We are looking forward to the coming weeks, an innovative format, and some exciting digital content. BMW enjoys long-term partnerships with TrackMan and the European Tour and shares the aspiration to also drive golf further with a digital format. Together, we have managed to create a new type of competition, which features a host of top players and, with the prize money on offer, supports local coronavirus initiatives”, Jörn Plinke, Head of BMW Golfsport Marketing added.
Each tournament winner will receive $10,000 towards their chosen charity or relief fund which has been helping communities impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.