BMW Group: MUNICH, Germany -September 27, 2021 – The sporting world had to wait patiently for three years for the43rd Ryder Cup – but it was worth it. The US and European teams produced an emotional battle at the spectacular Whistling Straits golf course in the US state of Wisconsin. Many of the matches were closer than the final result of 19-9 initially indicates. The hosts led from day one and showed little if any weakness, while the Europeans never managed to shift momentum in their favor.
“Congratulations to the United States team on winning the Ryder Cup after an exciting competition,” said Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Communication and Brand Experience BMW Group. “This past week in Whistling Straits has shown once again why the Ryder Cup is able to captivate so many people all over the world, and why it is a sporting event like no other. As Worldwide Partner, BMW has underlined its status as an outstanding partner for the game of golf. With the ‘Ultimate Journey,’ we have created an unforgettable moment.”
The Americans, who were able to call upon the services of eighth of the world’s top ten, lived up to their billing as favorites from the first tee shot and led by 11:5 after the doubles matches. Captain Steve Stricker’s team was also by far the stronger in the singles and pushed on to win by the biggest margin since 1979, the first time a European team appeared in the Ryder Cup. The biggest victory prior to this year’s event was a 18.5:9.5 achieved by Europe in 2006 and 2004 and the USA in 1981.
One of the few bright spots for the defending champions was Sergio García, who set a new record on Saturday morning with his 24th match win, passing the previous record holder Sir Nick Faldo (ENG). Over the course of his career, which spans ten Ryder Cup appearances, the Spaniard has now won 25 matches and scored 28.5 points – also a record.
The BMW Group can look back on a partnership with the Ryder Cup that dates back to 2006. The premium automobile manufacturer was Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup for the first time this year, and will also be when the competition is staged again in two years’ time in Rome (ITA). For the last week, a fleet of over 200 cars from the current BMW range has provided a premium shuttle service. 400 BMW guests have enjoyed an exclusive programme and the best possible view of the 16th green from the BMW Hospitality. The first all-electric BMW i4 Gran Coupé was on display at the tournament site, as was the wingsuit and trophy case, which played key roles alongside Peter Salzmann on the trophy’s “Ultimate Journey” to the opening ceremony.
Equipped with wingsuits in a Ryder Cup design and a case for the Ryder Cup trophy, designed specifically for this purpose by BMW Group Designworks, the Austrian and his team leapt out of a helicopter 3,000 metres above the earth, making for some spectacular images. After a two-minute flight over Whistling Straits, at a top speed of 230 km/h, Salzmann and the legendary trophy were chauffeured to the opening ceremony in a BMW iX – the BMW Group’s fully-electric technology flagship. The “Ultimate Journey” ended with Salzmann delivering the trophy to the stage to great applause. The „Ultimate Journey“ microsite including a video is available at: https://www.bmw-golfsport.com/en/ultimatejourney
