Excitement is par for the course – Mercedes-Benz is bringing back a golf tournament long regarded as one of the highlights of Germany's sporting calendar: this year from 13 to 16 September, the championship – which was formerly known as the German Masters – will be organised jointly with brothers Bernhard and Erwin Langer.
This renowned golf tournament is back with a new format: played in accordance with the "Winners Only" principle, it will be a compelling competition at the highest level. Only winners from the 2007 European Tour and players from the top 75 of the world ranking as well as from the top 60 of the European ranking will be eligible.
"We are delighted to have secured this exclusive platform for Mercedes-Benz," commented Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. "We have always emphasised that our brand values harmonise outstandingly well with the lifestyle image associated with golf. Bernhard Langer made sporting history as the captain of the successful 2004 Ryder Cup team and the continuation of our long-standing cooperation with him and his brother Erwin will now give the connection between Mercedes-Benz and golf a higher public profile." It was between 1987 and 1995 that the Langer brothers and Mercedes-Benz originally established the forerunner of the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany – motivated, as ever, by their shared passion for a compelling sport.
Bernhard Langer is also confident about the new partnership: "We feel that we are very much part of the Mercedes-Benz global network and greatly value the brand's involvement. The new format will provide a select field of competitors drawn from the top echelons of the sport and will allow us to present golf of the very highest standard in Germany and Europe in the years ahead. I'm really looking forward to this partnership."
The Mercedes-Benz Championship brings one of the best-known and most popular tournaments back to the European Tour and promises to be a truly thrilling competition.