+++ 9 under par and a hole-in-one: Davis Bryant (USA, -12) is the
standout performer of round two +++ Kristoffer Reitan (NOR) two shots
back in second +++ Marcel Siem (-7, T10), Marcel Schneider, Matti
Schmid, and impressive amateur Tim Wiedemeyer (all -6, T15) in
promising positions +++
Munich. Davis Bryant had a sensational day at the BMW
International Open. The American, who is playing his first season on
the DP World Tour, started on the 10th hole, made a birdie on the
11th, and then aced the 12th hole (Par 3, 166 yards). He
would go on to make eight more birdies, finishing the second round at
12 under par to take the lead. On an otherwise perfect day, the
25-year-old might only regret making his ace on the “wrong” hole. This
year’s hole-in-one prize – a BMW M5 Touring – is awarded for an ace on
the 17th hole, which remains in play over the weekend.
Closest behind Bryant are Kristoffer Reitan (NOR, -10), along with
Yuto Katsuragawa (JPN), Daniel Brown (ENG), and Jordan Smith (ENG),
all at -9. “I honestly don’t know what happened today. The hole-in-one
really got things going – that’s always incredibly cool,” said Bryant.
“I’m just very proud of how I executed everything, stuck to my
process, and holed some key putts. That was a big factor. The spark
really lit today – and then you just ride that momentum.”
Bryant’s ace – contributing to making him the first American since
John Daly (2001) who could potentially win the BMW International Open
– was one of 28 eagles recorded on Friday. For every eagle made during
the tournament rounds, the BMW Group is donating €1,000 to the Philipp
Lahm Foundation for Sport and Education. The joint initiative aims to
equip children and youth with key life skills in movement, nutrition,
and personal development. Heading into the weekend, the donation total
already stands at €44,000.
While Bryant and Reitan have created a slight gap, the leaderboard
remains tightly packed, promising an exciting weekend of golf. A total
of 68 players made the cut – including seven Germans. Among the most
promising are Marcel Siem (-7, T10), Marcel Schneider, Matti Schmid,
and the sensationally performing amateur Tim Wiedemeyer (all -6, T15).
Siem said: “I’m very happy. Apart from the 9th hole, I took advantage
of all the chances I had. All in all, I’m really satisfied with my
6-under round today. I don’t think much more was possible – I really
got the maximum out of it. My goal is to start the weekend confidently
and go at the flags more aggressively when I’m in the fairway. That’s
my game plan.”
Schneider was also pleased with his performance: “Today went better
than yesterday. The putter got really hot at times. Overall, the
ball-striking was better. It wasn’t perfect yet, but overall, I’m
satisfied. The four early birdies definitely gave me a push. My plan
is to keep playing well, attack the course, and hit a lot of greens.
I’ll take it shot by shot and see where that gets me.”
Amateur Tim Wiedemeyer has been playing impressive golf this week. In
his hometown, the 20-year-old followed up his even-par opening round
with a 66 today and said: “I’m very happy. Six under par is pretty
good. I tried to hit a lot of fairways and greens. And when the putter
gets hot, you shoot a good score. The support – especially on the back
nine – was really cool. It felt more like an evening round with
friends. That definitely helped my game today. Now, I just want to
have fun. The cut is made – let’s see what happens and enjoy it.”
For Martin Kaymer (-4, T37), the dream of a second win in Munich
after 2008 is still alive – albeit with a steep task ahead, sitting
seven shots behind the leader. The two-time Major champion said:
“Overall, I was satisfied with my game and hit a lot of good shots,
but I didn’t take advantage of the par-5s. Those are the real birdie
chances this week, and I missed out there. On this course – especially
if the weather is good – you can really go low. Marcel proved that
today. I know what I need to do tomorrow and hope to shoot a good
round to still be in contention on Sunday.”
Completing the group of Germans playing on the weekend are Yannik
Paul (-4, T37) and Hurly Long (-3, T53). Missing the cut (-3) were
defending champion Ewen Ferguson (SCO), Masters champion Patrick Reed
(USA), and Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald (ENG).
Full tee times for round three are attached.