John Daly returns to Golfclub München Nord-Eichenried this week aiming to become the first player in the 14 year history of the BMW International Open to successfully defend the title.
Twelve months ago Daly entered the record books with some exceptional scoring over the four days. Daly's 72 hole total of 261, 27 under par, equalled the lowest aggregate to par in European Tour history, matching that of Jerry Anderson set in the 1984 Ebel European Masters.
However, with preferred lies in operation, Daly’s total did not count as a record. Daly's 36 hole total of 127, 17 under par, after opening with rounds of 63 and 64, also equalled the record low first 36 hole score to par.
Remarkably Daly only won by one shot after a thrilling duel with Padraig Harrington, the Irishman edging ahead of Daly with rounds of 63 and 62 in the second and third rounds respectively before being overhauled on the final afternoon. Harrington will be hoping to go one better this year and record his first win of the season.
Daly, the 1991 US PGA Champion and 1995 Open Champion who confirmed his Membership of The European Tour at the beginning of the year, will be making his 11th start on The 2002 European Tour International Schedule, his best performance being joint ninth in the Benson and Hedges International Open.
Daly will face a stiff test in his quest to defend the title against the likes of Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam, both former Masters Champions.
Langer has won every European Tour event on German soil at least once apart from the BMW International Open and he will be keen to put that statistic right after four second places.
The field also boasts eight of the 12 past champions including European Ryder Cup team member Thomas Björn, the winner in 2000.
Also in the field is Tobias Dier, who will be making his first appearance in a European Tour event on home soil since winning his maiden European Tour event in The TNT Open in Holland last month.
