BMW International Open Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

THE organisers of the BMW International Open will have been keeping a wary eye on the weather issues experienced by the field at the US Open.

Masters champion Danny Willett, home favourite Martin Kaymer, Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia and Bernd Weisberger among those in the field for the BMW at GC Gut Larchenhof, but a late finish at Oakmont could see some of the big names withdrawing or arriving in Germany suffering serious jetlag.

Willett recorded his first title as a professional at Gut Larchenhof in 2012, when it hosted this tournament for the first time, and the Englishman has fond memories of the course, and the country.

“I am really looking forward to the BMW International Open and returning to Cologne,” said Willett. “I will never forget my win in 2012. That first title will always be very special. It is nice to return to a course where you have enjoyed success in the past. The BMW International Open is a tournament with a positive atmosphere, which is something you really enjoy as a player.”

Some big names have won this tournament over the years, including Paul Azinger, Sandy Lyle, Colin Montgomerie , Stenson and Lee Westwood. It was won in 2010 by David Horsey, in 2011 by  Pablo Larrazabal, who also won it last year, Willett in 2012, Ernie Els in 2013 and Fabrizio Zanotti in 2014. 

Larrazabal will be back to defend his title, looking to become the first man to win it three times, but his previous two successes have been in Munich. Max Kieffer and Marcel Siem form part of a strong home challenge, and there will be plenty of support for the evergreen Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Seven years ago, a young English golfer won this event in Munich. He had been likened to Nick Faldo and he seemed to have the golfing world at his feet. His name was Nick Dougherty. These days he is employed as a golf pundit. He is still only 34, and it seems like such a waste of talent. As a former champion, Dougherty will be in Cologne, but don't expect anything other than a missed cut.

What happened to Dougherty should act as a salutary lesson to all of those who think that the good times will go on for ever. 

Much of the focus this week will be on Henrik Stenson, who acted like a spoilt child at Oakmont. After an opening round of 69, the giant Swede had a nightmare during his second round and looked likely to miss the cut when play was suspended. We will never know if he would have got the shots back because he chose to flounce off home without completing his round - it is hardly the behaviour you would expect of one of the world's best golfers, and left a bad taste in the mouth. Stenson has ground to make up and a reputation to rebuild.

Willett is another who will head back across the Atlantic looking to put a poor US Open behind him. The Masters champion has shown some flashes of brilliance since his triumph at Augusta without being able to string together four good rounds. I have a feeling that this could be the week he gets his year back on course.

Holland's Joost Luiten has done everything but win in 2015 and is playing quite superbly. The Dutchman is one of the best putters in Europe, and could sell his stroke to Rory McIlroy for a substantial amount of money. He is becomingly increasingly frustrated by his inability to finish the job off, all the more so because he is another who wants to be part of Europe's Ryder Cup team. Luiten is a cussed character and would be an enormous asset to the side, but he needs a win, and he needs it soon. 

Kieffer produced some sparkling form in 2015 but has failed to kick on this season. He will believe that playing in front of a home crowd might be precisely what he needs to rediscover the magic.

This is a hugely lucrative part of the season, with the French Open, Scottish Open and The Open Championship all just around the corner. It is a good time of year to be in your very best form.

BMW International Open Picks

To Win:

Joost Luiten. Long overdue

Each Way:

Max Kieffer. Ready for a big, big week

Danny Willett. Could be the man to watch

BMW International Open Fantasy Picks

Joost Luiten. In fantastic form

Max Kieffer. Looking for inpiration from home fans

Danny Willett. The class act in the field

Alvaro Quiros. Showing signs of a return to his very best form

Bernd Wiesberger. Too good not to win again very soon

Scott Hend. Can he keep his temper under control

Thorbjorn Olesen. A future major champion

Andrew Johnston. Having the season of his dreams

James Morrison. England's Mr Consisterncy

Brandon Stone. Brilliant South African