Double whammy at the BMW International Open. The first European Tour field to feature twins.

Pulheim. History was made at the BMW International Open (23rd to 26th June at GC Gut Lärchenhof), when two twins teed off at the same tournament for the first time in the history of the European Tour. Jeremy and Yannik Paul gained valuable experience on the opening day of the 28th BMW International Open, where they teed off in successive groups just ten minutes apart. Unlike when they were born, when Jeremy arrived on the scene one minute before his brother, Yannik was first onto the first tee on Thursday. He carded a round of 73 (+1), just one shot more than Jeremy, who went round the Championship Course in level par (72).

“It is great to be the first twins on the European Tour,” said Jeremy after his opening 18 holes. “We were delighted to have the opportunity to play here together. I caddied for my brother in 2015, when he played at the BMW International Open. As such, I had a bit of an idea what to expect from the tournament. I was a little nervous on the first few holes, but the nerves disappeared then. I really enjoyed it today.”

Like his brother Yannik, the older of the Paul twins, who are both members of Golf Team Germany, plays for GC Mannheim-Viernheim in the first division of the German Golf League (DGL). However, he has also been causing a stir in America, as part of the University of Colorado golf team. Jeremy holds a host of university records, including the most sub-60 rounds, the most rounds under par, and the best average round. The 22-year-old has already decided he will turn pro in the future. “I will probably turn pro a little before my brother,” said Jeremy. “I have another year of college to complete, then I will decide whether to go professional in America or Europe.”

Yannik also plays for GC Mannheim-Viernheim in the DGL and spent two years with his brother at the University of Colorado. After returning to his native Germany for a while, he will now return to America to continue his studies there. He also has his sights set on turning pro. “I would obviously like to play here on the European Tour,” said Yannik. “That is why it is so fantastic to be able to gain experience at a tournament like this.”

He made his BMW International Open debut in 2015, but missed the cut. However, things are looking up this time around. “I am very optimistic about tomorrow. I believe I am definitely good enough to make the cut. The goal is certainly to still be in the tournament come Sunday,” said Yannik. He and his brother will discover their plans for the weekend on Friday, when they head out onto the Championship Course at Golf Club Gut Lärchenhof for the second round of the BMW International Open.