The European Tour is getting creative in these turbulent times and enlisting the help of Trackman, the world leader in 3D ball flight measurement and swing analysis, to launch the BMW Indoor Invitational.
With courses shuttered in the United Kingdom and in other countries around Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Euro Tour is thinking outside the box by keeping some of its biggest stars inside.
The virtual golf tournament will feature former World No. 1s Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood as well as top pros Bernd Wiesberger, Joost Luiten and Mike Lorenzo Vera, all from their homes.
The pros will play five 18-hole virtual rounds at some of the world’s most iconic courses, including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal Portrush, Valderamma and Wentworth with the winner of each 18-hole event earning $10,000 to donate to the coronavirus relief effort of their choice.
Introducing the #BMWTrackManInvitational ?️♂️@TrackManGolf @bmwgolfsport
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 4, 2020
“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,” Rufus Hack, the European Tour’s Chief Content Officer, said in a statement. “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 benefiting charities or relief funds which have been so essential in the battle against coronavirus.”
The events will run weekly beginning on Saturday, May 9 and be broadcast on the European Tour’s social media channels and the event’s website.
Players will compete remotely using their home set-up between Monday and Wednesday and the action will then be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels each Saturday, according to the European Tour’s release.
“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,” Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen, CEO & Co-Founder TrackMan, said. “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!”
Here’s the event schedule.
- Week 1: Saturday, May 9, St. Andrews (Old Course)
- Week 2: Saturday, May 16, Royal Portrush
- Week 3: Saturday, May 23, Golfclub München Eichenried
- Week 4: Saturday, May 30, Real Club Valderrama
- Week 5: Saturday, June 6, Wentworth
