MUNICH — Dan Brown secured his first European Tour victory since 2023 at the BMW International Open, dedicating the emotional win to his late friend and mentor, whose memory fueled his performance throughout the tournament. Fighting back tears, Brown told reporters, "That was for him. Every shot, every putt—I carried him with me this week."
The 29-year-old Englishman carded a final-round 67 to finish at 18-under par, holding off a charging pack that included major winner Martin Kaymer and rising star Tom McKibbin. The victory marks Brown’s second DP World Tour title, following his 2023 ISPS Handa World Invitational triumph, but this one carried far deeper personal significance.
A Tribute Forged in Grief
Brown revealed post-round that his close friend, amateur golfer and longtime supporter James "Jimmy" Reynolds, had passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Reynolds, a former college teammate, had been instrumental in Brown’s early career, offering financial support and encouragement during lean years on mini-tours. "He believed in me when no one else did," Brown said, his voice cracking.
The golfer’s tribute extended beyond words:
- Brown wore a black ribbon on his cap throughout the tournament
- His caddie carried Reynolds’ old yardage book as a good-luck charm
- The winning ball was inscribed with Reynolds’ initials before being retired
A Final Round Charged With Emotion
Sunday’s back nine became a rollercoaster, with Brown surrendering a three-shot lead after bogeys at 12 and 14. "That’s when I felt him most," Brown admitted. "I heard Jimmy’s voice in my head saying, ‘Stop being soft—hit the damn shot.’" The pep talk worked—Brown birdied 15 and 17 to seal the win.
The Deciding Moment
At the par-5 16th, facing a risky approach over water, Brown later confessed he nearly laid up. "Then I remembered Jimmy daring me to go for it in our last round together," he said. His 4-iron from 228 yards set up a two-putt birdie that proved decisive.
The Golf World Reacts
Fellow players quickly recognized the win’s significance. Tournament host Kaymer told Sky Sports: "When you see someone play with that much heart, it reminds you why we love this game. Dan showed us golf’s true spirit today."
Reynolds’ family, watching from England, released a statement through Brown’s management: "Jimmy would’ve been roaring at the TV. This was the perfect tribute—gutsy, brilliant, and just a little bit reckless, just like him."
Looking Ahead
The victory propels Brown to 12th in the Race to Dubai standings and earns him a spot in next month’s Genesis Scottish Open. But the golfer insists rankings take a backseat: "This week was about honoring Jimmy. Everything else is just a bonus."
In a poignant final gesture, Brown announced he’ll donate 20% of his €350,000 prize money to junior golf programs in Reynolds’ hometown. "He always said the game saved him—now maybe it can save someone else," Brown explained.
As twilight fell over Golfclub München Eichenried, Brown lingered on the 18th green, alone with his thoughts and the trophy. When asked what Reynolds might say about the victory, he managed a smile: "Probably something like, ‘Took you long enough, mate.’"
