'Big Easy' Rolls in Germany


Ernie Els shot his third straight 3-under 69 on Sunday to log a wire-to-wire win in the BMW International Open, The European Tour event took place at Munich Golf Club in Germany.

Thanks to an opening 9-under 63, the 43-year-old South African ended up at 18-under 270, a stroke ahead of Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, who also carded a 69, and two in front of Els' fellow 54-hole leader, France's Alexander Levy, who posted a 71.

The victory was the 28th for Els on the European Tour, and this one was particularly satisfying for the World Golf Hall of Fame member known as the "Big Easy." "I've tried a long time to win this golf tournament. I really had it going and then I made it tough for myself again," he told reporters in reference to his lone bogey on the par-5 11th hole.

Els added the win gives him a boost heading into Muirfield in Scotland for next month's British Open, where he'll be the defending champion. "Obviously it gives me a lot," he added. "Wire to wire, you've got the pressure and every night you've got to sleep on it.

"This is quite a week for me. There were a lot of strong players in the field. I'm really looking forward to Muirfield."

Tied for fourth at 15-under 273 were Austria's Bernd Wiesberger (68), Germany's Martin Kaymer (69) and Sweden's Alexander Noren (72).

After getting into contention with rounds of 69, 68 and 67, American Peter Uihlein closed with an even-par 72 to settle for a tie for 10th with seven other players at 275.

For more scoring details, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2013/tournamentid=2013048/leaderboard/index.html.