MUNICH, Germany (AP) — Martin Kaymer birdied the first playoff hole against Anders Hansen after blowing a six-stroke lead Sunday and won the BMW International Open.
The 23-year-old Kaymer became the youngest and first German winner despite his 3-over 75, finishing at 15-under 273. Hansen (67) birdied five of his last 11 holes.
Sharing third at 13 under were English players John Bickerton (67), Mark Foster (68) and Paul Casey (70).
Kaymer had a triple-bogey on the 11th hole but birdied the 18th to force a playoff. He won with a 200-yard approach shot that bounced within six feet of the cup.
"I didn't want to lose here, this win was for my mother," said Kraymer, whose mother has a serious illness. "After the 13th or 14th hole, I just kept fighting."
Kaymer fell a stroke behind Hansen after two bogeys and the triple-bogey - caused by his failed gamble to drive past the water trap to reach the green.
"That was big mistake," Kaymer said. "But the back nine was special - the spectators felt I was a little down and yelled and screamed encouragement. The goose bumps wouldn't go away."
Kaymer's birdie on the 18th was set up by a 45-foot putt that stopped six inches from the hole.
It was Kaymer's second win after Abu Dhabi in January.
