The 2023 Hero Indian Open delivered one of the most thrilling conclusions in recent golf memory. Marcel Siem’s one-shot triumph over Yannik Paul was a masterclass in tenacity, skill, and heart
It wasn’t just about birdies and bogeys—it was about reclaiming belief, silencing doubts, and showcasing that champions can rise again when given a chance.
For fans of golf, for Germany, and for Marcel Siem himself, this was more than just a tournament. It was a moment. A memory. And perhaps, the beginning of something even greater.
Whether you believe Marcel Siem really tied Pebble Beach’s course record after a night of drinking or not, there’s no denying the sheer magnetism of the man.
He brings something rare and vital to the sport — personality, unpredictability, and unfiltered passion.
As he continues to tee it up on the DP World Tour, every round he plays feels like a new chapter in a long, riveting story. And who knows — maybe the next time he breaks a record, it’ll be completely sober.
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Table of Contents
Marcel Siem’s Wild World Explained
Drunken Feats, Pebble Beach Records, and a Triumphant Comeback
Marcel Siem has long been one of the most colorful characters on the DP World Tour.1
Known for his flamboyant style, gritty play, and emotional victories, the German golfer recently made headlines for something far more outrageous than your average post-round interview.
In a clip shared by Jon Sherman on June 24, Siem revealed that he once tied multiple course records, including at the iconic Pebble Beach, while being “completely hammered” and running on zero sleep.
Siem’s candid story has both shocked and amused the golfing community, not just for the absurdity of the feat, but for the unfiltered charm that has come to define his persona.
In this piece, we explore the chaotic brilliance of Marcel Siem’s infamous Pebble Beach round, his impressive comeback at the 2023 Hero Indian Open, and why he remains one of golf’s most intriguing figures.
What a day, @kellyslater just texted me that I actually told him during the round. Not sure why I couldn’t remember that anymore 😂😎🙈 https://t.co/neTb5iokZv
— Marcel Siem (@SiemMarcel) June 23, 2025
The Pebble Beach Tale: A Night of Booze, a Day of Brilliance
In his recent interview, Siem casually dropped a bombshell: he claims to have tied three course records — all while completely drunk and without sleep.
Among these was one of golf’s most iconic venues, Pebble Beach Golf Links. “I think I had three course records completely hammered without sleep. It’s crazy,” Siem said, chuckling at the memory.
He continued with jaw-dropping details:
“I puke twice that round. We started straight away with Long Island iced teas and five pints or whatever, and then ended up with champagne. So tea time was eight, eight o’clock, whatever, and we finished at six, and I went to the room… it was horrendous. Seriously, I was so drunk.”
Despite being in a state that would likely render most people incapable of holding a golf club, let alone breaking records, Siem went out and matched the course’s best.
He jokingly noted sharing the score with “Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods… with 30 legends.” While his claim can’t be verified officially — especially since non-tournament or casual round scores are rarely archived — the sheer audacity and detail of his story make it one for the ages.
Marcel Siem: Pebble Beach Course
A Legendary Battlefield
Pebble Beach is no ordinary course. Nestled along California’s Monterey Peninsula, it is one of the most scenic and challenging courses in the world.2
Wind, elevation changes, and small greens make it a punishing test for even the best golfers.
The official tournament course record at Pebble Beach was most recently set by Wyndham Clark, who shot a 60 during the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
That round, played under lift-clean-and-place rules due to wet conditions, broke the prior tournament record of 62.
In non-tournament settings, the lowest recorded score is a 61 by Hurly Long in a 2017 collegiate event.
If Siem’s claim of matching a 62 or 61 during a nightmarish hangover is true, it’s an outrageous display of raw talent and muscle memory overcoming every physiological barrier.
A Rock Star in a Golfer’s Body
Everything about Siem screams anti-establishment — the long hair, the emotional volatility, the off-course stories, and even the manner in which he celebrates. He’s a rare breed in a game still largely dominated by tradition and restraint.
While some golfers prefer to keep their routines private and polished, Siem lays everything bare. Whether he’s breaking clubs in frustration, weeping after a win, or recounting drunken rounds at Pebble Beach, he’s unapologetically himself.
This authenticity, while sometimes controversial, has earned him a loyal following. He’s relatable to fans who see golf as more than numbers and stats — as a human drama with characters who laugh, cry, and live wildly.
Rewriting the Narrative
In many ways, Marcel Siem’s story is a case study in the beautiful messiness of sport. He’s not perfect, and he doesn’t pretend to be. He’s made mistakes — professionally and personally — but he wears them like battle scars.
From setting alleged records while inebriated to crying tears of joy after an eight-year drought, his journey has had all the ingredients of a blockbuster movie: chaos, comedy, heartbreak, and triumph.
His resurgence also signals hope for other golfers struggling with form or confidence. In a world where careers can be revived with the right mindset and work ethic, Siem’s story stands tall.
Marcel Siem: Who Is He?
A Golfer Unlike Any Other
Even before this bombshell anecdote, Marcel Siem had carved out a reputation as one of the DP World Tour’s most unpredictable and beloved figures.3
Known for his expressive reactions and passion on the course, he has never shied away from showing his emotions — whether in triumph or defeat.
He once won a Porsche for a hole-in-one at the 17th hole in 2017, an unforgettable moment that added another layer to his legend.
Siem brings both flair and fire to the sport — an often rare combination in the buttoned-up world of professional golf.
Hero Indian Open 2023: A Victory Eight Years in the Making
While Siem’s wild Pebble Beach tale might grab headlines, his most inspiring chapter came in March 2023 at the Hero Indian Open, where he ended an eight-year winless drought with a stirring performance.
The victory meant more than just a trophy; it was a comeback story brimming with grit and redemption. After losing his DP World Tour card and dropping into the Challenge Tour, Siem clawed his way back to the main stage.
At the DLF Golf and Country Club in New Delhi, he battled tough conditions and strong competition to claim his fifth DP World Tour title.
His emotional reaction afterward told the whole story. Siem dropped to his knees, overcome with tears, having just completed one of the most personal and powerful victories of his career.
The Road Back: From Obscurity to Redemption
Siem’s 2023 Hero Indian Open win wasn’t just a return to the winner’s circle — it was a resurrection.
Following years of inconsistent play, injury struggles, and mental battles, Siem had become a journeyman, grinding on lesser tours and struggling for form.
His unfiltered attitude remained intact, but his game had faltered. It took countless hours of work and soul-searching to get back to a level where he could contend — let alone win.
By embracing swing changes, re-focusing his fitness, and returning to the fundamentals of his game, Siem made his way back. His comeback was reminiscent of major sporting redemptions — not just about talent, but about character.
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Marcel Siem Edges Yannik Paul in a Nail-Biting Finish to Win 2023 Hero Indian Open
Marcel Siem’s victory at the 2023 Hero Indian Open was more than just another tournament win—it was a long-awaited resurgence.
With a final round score of 68 and an overall total of 14-under-par 274, Siem ended a nearly nine-year title drought on the DP World Tour.
His last win had come back in 2014, and since then, the German veteran had faced ups and downs in form, fitness, and confidence.
In a sport where momentum can vanish in a heartbeat, Siem’s gritty and determined comeback stood out. His composed and passionate play was not just about winning a trophy—it was about proving he still had what it takes to perform at the highest level.
Setting the Stage: DLF Golf and Country Club in Spotlight
The DLF Golf and Country Club in New Delhi provided the perfect theatre for this unforgettable showdown.
Known for its narrow fairways, punishing roughs, and strategic water hazards, the course demands mental fortitude and flawless execution.
Throughout the tournament, players were tested by swirling winds and tricky pin placements.
But it was Siem and his compatriot Yannik Paul who separated themselves from the pack, playing with control and brilliance when it mattered most.
Marcel Siem’s Strong Start in Final Round
Siem entered the final round trailing Yannik Paul, who had led the field with consistent play over the first three rounds.
But Siem wasted little time in closing the gap. A birdie on the par-4 4th hole brought him level with Paul at 11-under, signaling his intent.
By the 10th and 11th holes, Siem found his rhythm. Two successive birdies catapulted him into the lead at 13-under.
His crisp iron play and controlled putting during this stretch were a masterclass in tournament golf, particularly under final-round pressure.
A Battle of Nerves: Momentum Swings on the Back Nine
Golf is as much a psychological duel as a physical one, and the back nine showcased this in full. On the par-5 13th, Siem faltered with a bogey, giving Paul a window of opportunity. The younger German took full advantage, sinking a birdie to retake the lead.
But Siem didn’t crumble. On the 15th hole—a long par-3 with a deceptive green—he rolled in a clutch 15-foot birdie putt. It was a turning point.
That single stroke not only regained him the lead but also shifted the pressure squarely onto Paul.
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The Final Hole: Drama, Precision, and Grit
By the time they reached the 18th tee, the entire tournament had come down to a single hole. The final hole at DLF is notoriously unforgiving, with water guarding the green and requiring precision from tee to pin.
Siem’s tee shot landed him in trouble—the ball found water. But in a moment that will likely define his career, he regrouped quickly. His third shot landed safely on the green, and he followed up with two clutch putts to save par.
Meanwhile, Paul stood over a birdie putt that could have forced a playoff. The gallery held its breath. The putt slid just past the hole, and with that miss, Siem secured his one-shot victory.
A Victory of Emotions: Siem’s Passion on Display
- Few golfers wear their emotions as openly as Marcel Siem, and his reaction after the final putt said it all. Tears welled up as he hugged his caddie and acknowledged the crowd.
- “This means everything to me,” Siem said in the post-round interview. “It’s been a tough journey. I never stopped believing, but I had to fight through a lot. To come back and win on this stage—it’s emotional, it’s special.”
- Fans resonated with his honesty and passion, making his win one of the most feel-good stories of the season.
- While Paul came up just short, his performance was anything but disappointing. The 29-year-old displayed composure well beyond his years and remained in contention throughout all four rounds.
- His consistency and calm under pressure hinted at a bright future on the DP World Tour.
- Paul’s graciousness in defeat was equally commendable. “Marcel played brilliantly,” he said. “It stings to come this close, but I’m proud of my performance. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
- This win could be a turning point for Siem’s career. Not only did it earn him $340,000 in prize money, but it also granted him valuable ranking points and status on the DP World Tour for the upcoming season.
- At 42 years old, Siem has proven that age is just a number. His renewed focus on fitness and mental strength, combined with years of experience, may allow him to stay competitive well into his 40s.
- With this win, he’s now qualified for several upcoming elite events, including possible entries into the Open Championship and other co-sanctioned PGA/DP World Tour events.
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