BMW India, the Chennai-based subsidiary of the Geman luxury car manufacturer BMW AG stood out as the Luxury Mobility Partner at the Hero Open 2015, held from February 19-22 at the Delhi Golf Club.
According to a media statement, the 51st edition of the four-day golf tournament also debuted as co-sanctioned with the European Tour this year. BMW Golf Cup International is one of the largest amateur golf tournament series in the world, with roots dating back to more than a quarter of a century to a British-based initiative that ran on its own for five years before going global. An exclusive, invitation-only event, BMW Golf Cup International is designed for BMW patrons providing the right mix for an exclusive social interaction. In India, BMW Golf Cup International has established itself as a leading tournament series and has seen humonnous success since its inception in 2008. India is one of the 50 countries that are taking part at the prestigious BMW Golf Cup International World Final for which more than 100,000 players compete across 1,000 qualifying tournaments all over the world.
BMW India dealers identify amateur golfers amongst BMW owners who are interested in participating in the tournament. The tournaments are held in accordance with the rules of the respective local golf club. This year, as part of BMW Golf Cup International 2015, seventeen tournaments will be held across India in fourteen cities – Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Raipur, Lucknow, Greater Noida and Gurgaon.
BMW Golf Cup International 2015 has three categories: A (for handicaps up to 12), B (for handicaps 13 – 28) and Ladies Category (for handicaps up to 28). The winners from each Indian city will compete at the National Final. The national winners will come together at the BMW Golf Cup International 2015 World Final.
Anirban Lahiri emerged the winner, while SSP Chawrasia was the runner up of the Hero Indian Open 2015. Leading golfers from across the globe competed at the tournament to win the total prize money worth $1.5 million. Miguel Angel Jimenez, the Spanish professional golfer and one of the charistmatic players in world golf brushed shoulder with other stalwarts from Europe and Asia including Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur, Thaworn Wiratchant, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Rikard karlberg and Arjun Atwal.
Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, while speaking about the tournament, said: “Golf has been an integral part of sports engagement at the BMW Group. We are pleased with our association as the exclusive ‘Luxury Mobility Partner’ at Hero Indian Open 2015. The world of golf in India is witnessing progressive development and exemplifies the advancement and legacy of the sport in this country. The main attraction of the game was the Hole-in-One challenge, the prize for which was an all-new BMW i8 which was launched in India 18 February 2015.”
The BMW i8 presents a ground-breaking concept with visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, creating a new understanding of luxury that is strongly defined by sustainability. BMW India will also conduct Golf Clinics in all fourteen cities. Conducted by experts, Golf Clinics will serve as an introduction to golf for the participants. Participants will be able to practice and take professional advice to get a first impression of the game. BMW dealerships will organize 8 – 10 Golf Clinics per city for the customers.
Based out of Gurgaon (National Capital Region), BMW India is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group. The wide range of BMW activities in India include a manufacturing plant in Chennai, a parts warehouse in Mumbai and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country. The BMW Plant Chennai started operations on 29 March 2007. Till date, BMW Group has invested over 3.9 billion Indian Rupees (€ 51.8 million) in BMW Plant Chennai. The BMW Plant Chennai locally produces the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1, the BMW X3 and the BMW X5. BMW dealerships display the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the BMW X6, the BMW Z4, the BMW M3 Sedan, the BMW M4 Coupe, the BMW M5 Sedan, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, the BMW 6 Series Individual and the BMW 7 Series Individual which are available in the country as Completely Built-up Units. Taking a step forward in sustainable mobility, the BMW Group has also introduced the BMW i8 in India in 2015. Currently, BMW India has 37 sales outlets in the Indian market.
The News Hour India by Kenath Jayashankar Menon 