Marcel Siem Shows Skill and Nerve to Win the Ballantine’s Sponsored BMW Masters 2014

Marcel Siem left a huge impression on the crowd at Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai yesterday [2nd November], winning the world-class BMW Masters golf tournament – a prestigious European Tour event also sponsored by Ballantine’s, the world No. 2 Scotch whisky – with true flair and style after a thrilling play-off.

The final day saw an enthralling climax to the competition as four players battled it out in the final few holes. The Tournament went to a play-off between France’s Alexander Levy, England’s Ross Fisher and the ultimate winner, Germany’s Marcel Siem.

Siem held his nerve to stay true to his game in the play-off, chipping in beautifully from 20 yards to Birdie the play-off hole. He then watched on in a dramatic ending, seeing Levy and Fisher unable to hole their Birdie attempts to take the match to another play-off hole.  Siem was victorious after an incredible four day’s golf at the challenging Lake Malaren golf course.

Siem commented: “This is a great tournament to win and I had an amazing day today. I did feel very nervous in the play-off but kept believing and managed to pull it off. So many people have supported me in my career but I would like to thank my family most for helping me become the golfer I am today.”

The dramatic tournament ended after an exciting week for Ballantine’s, following the brand’s earlier announcement of the official launch of the Ballantine’s Golf Club; a new online member’s golf club captained by world-leading golfer and Ryder Cup hero, Ian Poulter.

The Ballantine’s Golf Club is an online Members’ Club that is inspired by golf and its lifestyle, and is open to people around the world who share an appreciation of golf and a love of great whisky. By joining the Ballantine’s Golf Club, members are given free access to a range of exclusive content including golf tips from Captain Ian Poulter and other professionals, and behind-the-scenes footage from some of the unsung heroes of the sport, as well as opportunities to win VIP prizes and attend top events around the world.

Members can also watch an inspiring film that tells Ian Poulter’s own ‘Moment of Truth’ story, detailing how he stayed true to his ambitions of becoming a professional golfer after numerous failed attempts. ‘Moment of Truth’ stories were further recreated by Ballantine’s at the BMW Masters earlier in the week, when some of the world’s best golfers, including Jamie Donaldson, Liang Wen-Chong and Richie Ramsay, signed a camera with their own personal ‘Moment of Truth’ – the defining moment in their golfing career to date – with these poignant messages captured as iconic images.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director of Ballantine’s, commented: “The BMW Masters is always a fantastic tournament, attracting the world’s greatest golfers, so it has been an honour for Ballantine’s to be part of such a first-class event for the last three years. It has also been a great opportunity for us to tell our fans in China and across Asia about the Ballantine’s Golf Club, inviting them to join us in in a place where they can share in the exclusive content that we’ve created especially for our members.” To find out more about the Ballantine’s Golf Club and become a member, please go to: www.ballantinesgolfclub.com

Caption: BMW Masters Winner 2014 Marcel Siem of Germany is presented with a bottle of Ballantine’s 30 Year Old Scotch whisky by Horace Ngai, Pernod Ricard Managing Director of Greater China, at Lake Malaren, Shanghai after a thrilling play-off with Alexander Levy and Ross Fisher

Notes

About Ballantine’s:

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com @Ballantines

About Ballantine’s in golf:

Ballantine’s has a rich history in golf dating back to 1960 when the first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played at Wentworth Club in England. Ballantine’s founded the Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, remaining title sponsor of the tournament until 2013. Ballantine’s has also been a sponsor of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open since 2007 and the BMW Masters in Shanghai, China, since 2012.

About Chivas Brothers:

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.