BMW Golf Cup International: Team Taiwan triumphs. Colin Montgomerie is guest of honour at the World Final of the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers

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The exclusive Fancourt #golf Resort in George, South Africa hosted the World Final of the #bmw #golf Cup International this week. Out of around 100,000 participants around the world, 122 golfers from 43 countries qualified for the highlight of the largest international tournament series for amateurs. After three rounds on the two #golf courses designed by Gary Player, “Montagu” and “Outeniqua”, the team from Taiwan who played spectacularly well won the National #competition. At the closing gala dinner, the Scottish golfing legend Colin Montgomerie presented the tophies to the winners of the three individual categories and the team standings.

“The motto for the World Final of the #bmw #golf Cup International is ‘once in a lifetime’. In South Africa, the participants and their guests discovered emphatically just how relevant this motto is, and experienced what the #bmw brand stands for,” said Thorsten Mattig, #bmw Group Head of Sports Marketing and Brand Cooperations. “On behalf of #bmw, I would like to congratulate Team Taiwan and the individual winners on their titles at the 26th World Final, and to congratulate all the participants on their fantastic performances.”

Montgomerie, who won the “European Tour Order of Merit”s eight times, making him the record holder, visited the world finalists on Friday and was on hand at a #golf clinic. “The #bmw #golf Cup International boasts everything that makes our sport so special; beautiful and yet demanding courses, competitive and high-class #competition, but also respect for each other and the opportunity to make new friendships and have a great time together,” said the Scot. “I was very happy to accept the invitation to this unique #event. It is always impressive to see how much the World Final resembles a major for amateurs. #bmw sets benchmarks with its tournaments, and not only on the professional scene.”

The team from Taiwan celebrated a start-finish victory in front of the breath-taking backdrop of the Outeniqua mountains, and with 324 points after 54 holes, had a considerable lead over Japan (293) and Morocco (288).

The Ladies title also went to Taiwan: Hsusn Yu Chen (115 points) prevailed over Emiko Ishi from Japan (113) and South Korea's Mi Jung Choi (103).

And the men’s titles were even more exciting. After a heart-stopping final, in the Men 2 class (handicap -13 to -28), China's Zhenhao Zhao with 109 points had a one-point lead over Amine El Bouhali (Morocco). Close behind them came Ryan Kosar (USA, 107), Corrie De Klerk (South Africa, 107) and Masaharu Ishizuka (Japan, 106). Victory in the Men 1 class (up to handicap -12) had to be decided by a play-off. China's Yuanda Jin had the steadier nerves and the element of luck required, beating Ju Min Lee from Taiwan (both 115) on the third extra hole.

“On a personal level, my #golf was very good this week, I felt pretty comfortable. In the end, I was a little bit lucky, but I am very happy that I managed to come through to victory,” said Yuanda Jin. “South Africa is such a beautiful country with a rich culture. #bmw has made us feel like pros competing in a world class tournament.”

The participants and their companions not only experienced a tournament of professional standards, but also an unforgettable supporting programme. Highlights included meeting lions and sharks up close and personal during the #bmw Driving Experience - Catwalk and the Shark Cage Diving.