Hollick overcomes four-shot deficit to win BMW International Open; Rosenmüller sixth

South Africa's Michael Hollick produced a late surge to win the 37th BMW International Open at Golfclub München Eichenried on Sunday, overtaking compatriot Hennie du Plessis with a birdie and an eagle on the final two holes. Hollick, 39, carded a closing 69 to finish at 18 under par, one stroke ahead of du Plessis, securing his first DP World Tour title.

Hollick's late surge

Hollick began the final round tied for the lead with Austria's Bernd Wiesberger at 13 under. Two holes from the end, he trailed du Plessis by four shots after the latter had surged ahead. Hollick then birdied the 17th and eagled the par-5 18th to snatch victory. Du Plessis, who had been in control, finished second at 17 under, while Wiesberger took third at 14 under.

Rosenmüller's home hopes dashed

Local favourite Thomas Rosenmüller, a Munich native playing on his home course, had started the day in a share of fourth, just two shots off the lead. The 29-year-old, who as a child had watched Martin Kaymer win here in 2008, could not sustain his challenge. Four bogeys derailed his round, and a closing eagle on the 18th only softened the blow, leaving him at 11 under par and in sixth place.

I still remember the feeling of being here as a child.

Rosenmüller had been the big mover on Saturday, shooting a 65 to climb 46 places into contention. But the pressure of a home victory, and the earlier start forced by a storm warning, appeared to unsettle him.

Other German performances

Germany's top-ranked golfer Matti Schmid endured a difficult weekend. After entering the tournament with victory ambitions, the Regensburg native shot rounds of 74 and 72 to finish tied for 23rd. His final score was reported as 6 under par by some outlets and 7 under by others. Nicolai von Dellingshausen matched Schmid's position, while Freddy Schott finished one stroke better. Amateur Finn Kölle, the only non-professional to make the cut, ended tied 30th at 5 under.

Weather and legacy

A severe weather warning prompted organisers to bring forward Sunday's tee times by several hours. The change did not favour the German contingent, and rain arrived just as the prize ceremony began. Martin Kaymer, the only German winner of this event (2008), missed the cut while nursing shoulder and elbow problems.

It was good, I was quite patient all day. All in all, felt quite solid and kept myself out of trouble for the most part, and if I didn't I scrambled well. I think 67 in these conditions is a pretty decent score.