Siem’s Homecoming Dream Lives On After Strong Second Round

Confidence Grows at BMW International Open

Marcel Siem couldn’t hide his joy as he looked ahead to the weekend at his beloved home tournament, the BMW International Open in Munich. After an impressive second round, the 44-year-old German golfer spoke of his clear goal: “This is my biggest dream – to head into the weekend full of confidence and attack the pins.”

Back on Track After a Shaky Start

Having once been crowned club champion at the Eichenried course aged just 16, Siem used his deep familiarity with the venue to bounce back strongly after a mixed opening round. He followed a patchy start — where he was three shots over par at one point — with a remarkable 66 on day two, bringing him to six under par overall. “I’m very happy,” said the Mauritius-based golfer from Ratingen, who surged up the leaderboard and is now within striking distance of the top.

Despite having struggled at Eichenried in the past — “I always played rubbish here,” he admitted — Siem had declared boldly before the 36th edition of the tournament that he intended to win it this year. After Friday’s performance, that dream appears more realistic than ever. “This is definitely the biggest dream for me,” he reaffirmed.

Six-Time Tour Winner Still Has the Spark

Siem has claimed six titles on the DP World Tour, the most recent one just over a year ago. His passionate display on Friday energised the crowds, with the 44-year-old repeatedly punching the air in celebration. “My game is full of ups and downs,” he acknowledged. “When it goes well, I win. When it doesn’t, I miss the cut. That’s just how it is.”

Kaymer’s Steady Approach

While Siem thrilled fans with his aggressive style, Martin Kaymer offered a more measured performance. The 40-year-old, who remains the only German to have won the BMW International Open (back in 2008), played another solid round, finishing two under par on Friday — just as he did the day before. “I played solidly, I’m happy with my game and I didn’t make many mistakes,” said the Mettmann-born golfer.

Currently playing on the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, Kaymer is being supported in Munich by his wife Irene, who is serving as his caddie. His consistent play reinforced his claim that he has moved past recent injury setbacks. When asked about his prospects for the rest of the tournament, he remained cautious: “I can’t see into a crystal ball.”

Rising Star Shakes Up Austrian Golf

Meanwhile, Austrian golf is seeing a quiet revolution. Maximilian Steinlechner, only two years into his professional career, has made his mark. Currently ranked 400th in the world, he sits just behind Sepp Straka (9th) and Bernd Wiesberger (256th) as Austria’s third-best golfer.

The Tyrolean’s breakthrough came with a 22nd-place finish at his home event on the DP World Tour in Salzburg — a career highlight so far. Though he’s now competing one tier below, at the Interwetten Open Challenger Tour event in Schladming, Steinlechner has already caused a stir in the red-white-red golfing scene. “It’s only a matter of time,” he said confidently.

Schwab Reflects on a Tough Year

In contrast, fellow Austrian Matthias Schwab summed up his season so far with stark honesty: “It’s been pretty modest.” As one young star ascends, others in the Austrian camp are still searching for form.

From seasoned professionals chasing their dreams to rising talents making waves, this year’s BMW International Open and its satellite events are proving to be a compelling stage for European golf.