Slavkov u Brna/Czech Republic – „I’m so glad I was able to get that done today!“ Maximilian Walz seemed satisfied as he accepted his trophy of the Austerlitz Classic 2017, the first one of his career as a professional. In January 2016 the Ulm-based Walz turned professional, and finished as 16th of the Order of Merit at the end of the season after two Top-10 results. It wasn’t enough for the 25-year-old as he changed his coach afterwards. „ I was not happy with my season, a victory was missing. But I found out the hard way that this isn’t as easy as it seems and that you have to give your very best.“ To achieve that, he decided to work with Peter Wolfenstetter, coach of several European Tour players like Thongchai Jaidee. Together they figured out Walz weaknesses , but „at first I started pretty bad into this year“. At twelve tournaments he only made the cut four times. But now a win! „This success means so much to me! The hard work of the last month finally pay out“, Walz said. „I really liked the course. There’s much space, so you don’t lose the ball and get many chances for a birdie. My putting was very good this week, and I could use my chances.“ He did, for example, on the 16th and 18th green in his final round, as his five meter putt brought him the leadership and shortly after a three meter putt the victory.

The Austerlitz Classic 2017 did not only shine with an excellent course and true greens, but it also brought a novum to the fans of the Pro Golf Tour: For the first time in the tours history the event could be watched via livestream. Six cameras were filming on the most relevant parts of the course.

13 out of 21 tournaments in 2017 have already been played, the next stop of the tour will be in Bochum. From July 6-8 the Sparkassen Open 2017 will take place in the GC Bochum.