Matti Schmid says he is thrilled to fulfil a childhood dream and play in the BMW International Open as a professional for the first time after an impressive performance last year during his rookie campaign on the DP World Tour.
The German finished in a tie for 14th as an amateur at Golfclub München Eichenried, a few weeks before he turned professional after winning the Silver Medal in The Open Championship at Royal St George’s.
The 24-year-old won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award for 2021 as he secured his DP World Tour card after just seven appearances, which included a runner-up finish at the Dutch Open last September.
Now, Schmid is eager to impress again on home soil after growing up watching the event as a child.
“It’s amazing. I’ve watched this tournament since I was a little kid,” he said. “It’s a dream come true for me to finally play here as a professional.
“I think it’s unbelievable what kind of event BMW puts on here. It’s one of the best we have on the DP World Tour.”
Schmid is excited to play in front of packed home crowds at a course he expects to provide an “interesting and exciting” challenge.
“This year I’m sure there will be a lot of people out,” he added. “Munich sports fans are great and I’m sure they will support me quite a bit as well.
“The course is set up for some drama. The par fives are all reachable, they all have water in front of the greens, there are driveable par fours, it has everything, tough par threes.”
The course is set up for some drama
Schmid’s best performance so far this season came at the Steyn City Championship in South Africa where he finished tied third and he is confident more encouraging results will follow as he gains greater experience as a professional.
“I haven’t put four rounds together yet,” he reflected. “I think I’ve put myself in a lot of good positions over a weekend. And after Saturday (at the Soudal Open), I wasn’t able to cap it off. But I have been a pro for less than a year, so I think it’s all a process.
“I’m still learning a lot every week when I’m out here and I‘m sure when I get over that hump it will come easy.”
