Hollick eagles the last to claim maiden victory in Munich
South African rookie Michael Hollick produces sensational birdie-eagle finish to secure dramatic breakthrough DP World Tour title
Korea - South African rookie Michael Hollick left it late to claim his maiden DP World Tour title after producing a sensational birdie-eagle finish to win the BMW International Open on Sunday. The 39-year-old carded a final-round 67 at Golfclub München Eichenried to reach 18 under par, snatching a dramatic one-shot victory over compatriot Hennie du Plessis. Hollick, who took a break from professional golf in 2022 to work as a full-time coach, appeared out of contention when he trailed by three strokes with just two holes remaining. However, after picking up a crucial stroke on the 17th, he executed a daring drive past the water on the par-five 18th and rolled in a stunning 20-foot eagle putt to seal his milestone breakthrough.
“I actually thought I was a bit far back, but funnily enough yesterday when I went to bed, I thought if I have the chance to make eagle at the last to win it, that would be something,” Hollick said. The victory marks a life-changing turnaround for the veteran, who secured the final available DP World Tour card via the Sunshine Tour last season and spent his year fighting to retain his playing privileges. “Four years ago, I put the clubs in the cupboard and started coaching. The first year on tour is tough with all the unknown, but we’ve given ourselves and our family such a good opportunity now.”
The dramatic conclusion left Du Plessis in solo second on 17 under par following a closing 66, though he found consolation by securing a spot at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale alongside third-place finisher Bernd Wiesberger. France’s Oihan Guillamoundeguy and Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz shared fourth position at 12 under par, while local favourite Thomas Rosenmueller claimed sixth after matching Hollick’s eagle on the final green. Further down the leaderboard, international stars Ashun Wu and Joaquin Niemann both posted rounds of 70 to finish in a tie for seventh place on ten under par.
The conclusion of the tournament in Germany also finalized the seasonal European Swing standings, which were won by Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra despite him missing the weekend cut. Back-to-back victories at the KLM Open and the Open d’Italia earlier in the summer allowed Chacarra to comfortably secure the $200,000 bonus prize and exemptions into all upcoming events for the second phase of the season. Additionally, Finland’s Oliver Lindell earned a lucrative entry into next week’s Genesis Scottish Open as the leading non-exempt player from the continental swing rankings.
The final major narrative of the afternoon focused on the Race to Dubai, which officially confirmed the five players gaining entry into the Open Championship field in two weeks’ time. Joining Du Plessis and Wiesberger at Royal Birkdale via their season-long rankings will be fellow South African Jayden Schaper, who won consecutive titles earlier in the season, and the English duo of Andy Sullivan and Dan Bradbury. Meanwhile, the tour’s newest champion will head home to Durban to celebrate a victory that ensures he will no longer be viewed as an unheralded rookie on the European circuit.