NEW VIRTUAL TOURNAMENT GETS PRO PLAYERS BACK IN THE GAME

BMW, THE EUROPEAN TOUR AND TRACKMAN HAVE COME TOGETHER TO LET PLAYERS BE ABLE TO COMPETE VIRTUALLY IN THE BMW INDOOR INVITATIONAL POWERED BY TRACKMAN

A DEDICATION TO KEEPING THE GAME ALIVE

European Tour players including Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Bernd Weisberger will go head-to- head from their own homes in the BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan, a new series of virtual golf tournaments using the latest simulator technology.

With regular tournament action currently suspended due to the ongoing global efforts against the spread of Covid-19, many leading professionals have been turning to solutions at home, including the latest TrackMan software and simulators, to keep their golf game sharp. The BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan will enable them to compete against each other.

The new series will consist of five one-round (18 holes) strokeplay tournaments played virtually on some of Europe’s most iconic golf courses, powered by TrackMan.

JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic is threatening lives and livelihoods across the planet. Even after the epidemic finally abates, the shockwaves will be felt for years to come and those affected will need all the help they can get. Courtesy of BMW, each tournament winner will receive $10,000 towards their chosen charity or relief fund that has been helping communities impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

REMOTE PLAY, INTENSE ACTION

Players will compete remotely using their home set-up between Monday and Wednesday. Fans can view the action at TrackMan, BMW and The European Tour social media channels from the Friday of each week. The winner will be announced on the afternoon of the Saturday. The tournament will be played over the next five weeks.

Week 1 – Saturday May 9
Course: St Andrews, Old Course

Week 2 – Saturday May 16
Course: Royal Portrush

Week 3 – Saturday May 23
Course: Golf Club München Eichenried

Week 4 – Saturday May 30
Course: Real Club Valderrama

Week 5 – Saturday June 6
Course: Wentworth

GRABBING THE GOLFING WORLD’S ATTENTION

Golf lovers today are scouring the internet for new content and fresh inspiration so the tournament comes at the right time. Plus, the relatively unfamiliar virtual environment means fans will be able to watch a different kind of game. Any golfer with access to a TrackMan simulator can join in the fun by trying to match – or even beat – the pro scores on exactly the same courses, with exactly the same soft- ware settings. The tournament gives fans a solid dose of excellent all-round golf entertainment, just when it’s needed.

Rufus Hack, the European Tour’s Chief Content Officer, says: “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. 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.”

“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,“ says Jörn Plinke, Head of BMW Golfsport Marketing. “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.”

“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. 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!” says Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen, CEO & Co-Founder TrackMan A/S.