It’s been four years since Danny Willett broke onto the European Tour at the BMW International Open and this week he returns as a vastly different player.
The Englishman is the reigning Masters champ, world number nine, and a sure favourite heading to Golf Club Gut Larchenhof, which hosts the €2-million tournament for the first time since 2014.
Golfclub Munchen Eicheried was the host venue in 2012 when Willett beat European Tour veteran Marcus Fraser in a four-hole playoff for his maiden victory.
‘I will never forget my win. That first title will always be very special and it’s nice to return to a course where you have enjoyed success in the past. It’s a tournament with a positive atmosphere, which is something you really enjoy as a player,’ he said.
The field is decent this year, despite following on from the US Open, where Willett tied for 37th place. Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Andy Sullivan, and Kiradech Aphibarnrat will all compete in Germany this week.
Willett has played six of the last seven BMW International Opens since debuting there in 2009 and the 28-year-old’s worst performance was a tie for 30th place in 2010.
He ranks sixth in stroke average and 25th in greens in regulation on the European Tour this season, but 127th for drivinng accuracy. He’ll have his work cut out in order to win the crown for a second time.
