Thrilling start to the BMW International Open: Gareth Bale experiences Sheer Driving Pleasure at the BMW M Driving Experience.

+++ Welsh football legend completes safety driver training at the BMW M Driving Experience +++ Spectacular images from Maisach +++ Bale plays BMW International Open Pro-Am with German NHL Stars and Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald +++

Munich. A day before his appearance at the Pro-Am tournament as part of the BMW International Open (July 2–6, 2025, GC München Eichenried), football legend Gareth Bale got into the swing of things in Maisach. At the BMW M Driving Experience in Maisach, the five-time Champions League winner completed a BMW Safety Driver Training course – proving that his athletic talent extends far beyond the football pitch.

Behind the wheel of a BMW M4 Competition, Bale’s programme included evasive manoeuvres without braking, drifting, and, above all, plenty of driving pleasure. The 35-year-old was thrilled and stated how comfortable he feels in Munich and at the BMW International Open: “I played in Munich in football for Real Madrid quite a few times, and had some very good results, so Munich has been a great place for me. Coming back to play in the BMW International Open in the last few years has been really fun, enjoyed the course, enjoyed the city. It is always nice to be back.”

On Wednesday, the passion-filled golfer swapped the asphalt for the greens once again. Just as in the past two years, Bale teed off at the Pro-Am tournament in Eichenried – and did so in excellent company. He played alongside European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald (ENG) and German NHL stars Moritz Seider and Tim Stützle.