BMW Golf Cup International: Team Taiwan triumphs. Colin Montgomerie is guest of honour at the World Final of the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers.

George. The exclusive Fancourt Golf Resort in George,
South Africa hosted the World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International
this week. Out of around 100,000 participants around the world, 122
golfers from 43 countries qualified for the highlight of the largest
international tournament series for amateurs. After three rounds on
the two golf courses designed by Gary Player, “Montagu” and
“Outeniqua”, the team from Taiwan who played spectacularly well won
the National Competition. At the closing gala dinner, the Scottish
golfing legend Colin Montgomerie presented the tophies to the winners
of the three individual categories and the team standings.

“The motto for the World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International is
‘once in a lifetime’. In South Africa, the participants and their
guests discovered emphatically just how relevant this motto is, and
experienced what the BMW brand stands for,” said Thorsten Mattig, BMW
Group Head of Sports Marketing and Brand Cooperations. “On behalf of
BMW, I would like to congratulate Team Taiwan and the individual
winners on their titles at the 26th World Final, and to congratulate
all the participants on their fantastic performances.”

Montgomerie, who won the “European Tour Order of Merit”s eight times,
making him the record holder, visited the world finalists on Friday
and was on hand at a golf clinic. “The BMW Golf Cup International
boasts everything that makes our sport so special; beautiful and yet
demanding courses, competitive and high-class competition, but also
respect for each other and the opportunity to make new friendships and
have a great time together,” said the Scot. “I was very happy to
accept the invitation to this unique event. It is always impressive to
see how much the World Final resembles a major for amateurs. BMW sets
benchmarks with its tournaments, and not only on the professional scene.”

The team from Taiwan celebrated a start-finish victory in front of
the breath-taking backdrop of the Outeniqua mountains, and with 324
points after 54 holes, had a considerable lead over Japan (293) and
Morocco (288).

The Ladies title also went to Taiwan: Hsusn Yu Chen (115 points)
prevailed over Emiko Ishi from Japan (113) and South Korea’s Mi Jung
Choi (103).

And the men’s titles were even more exciting. After a heart-stopping
final, in the Men 2 class (handicap -13 to -28), China’s Zhenhao Zhao
with 109 points had a one-point lead over Amine El Bouhali (Morocco).
Close behind them came Ryan Kosar (USA, 107), Corrie De Klerk (South
Africa, 107) and Masaharu Ishizuka (Japan, 106). Victory in the Men 1
class (up to handicap -12) had to be decided by a play-off. China’s
Yuanda Jin had the steadier nerves and the element of luck required,
beating Ju Min Lee from Taiwan (both 115) on the third extra hole.

“On a personal level, my golf was very good this week, I felt pretty
comfortable. In the end, I was a little bit lucky, but I am very happy
that I managed to come through to victory,” said Yuanda Jin. “South
Africa is such a beautiful country with a rich culture. BMW has made
us feel like pros competing in a world class tournament.”

The participants and their companions not only experienced a
tournament of professional standards, but also an unforgettable
supporting programme. Highlights included meeting lions and sharks up
close and personal during the BMW Driving Experience – Catwalk and the
Shark Cage Diving.