Frenchman scoops maiden Tour title at The Dutch
It was a Frenchman’s destiny to win this year’s KLM Open at The Dutch (14-17 September). And that honour went to the relatively unknown Romain Wattel from Montpellier. The 26-year old kept his cool, and his patience, during a rain-drenched tournament week. Then on Sunday, Wattel excelled in the sunshine closing with a 69 to seize his maiden victory and so become the 98th Dutch Open Champion with a score of 15-under par, a precious one-stroke ahead of another surprise player, young Austin Connelly from Canada.
In fact, there were two Frenchmen, Romain Wattel and Joël Stalter, who teed-off in the last flight with overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat (-14) on Sunday. Wattel and Stalter were tucked-in close behind the formidable player from Thailand on 13-under and 12-under, respectively. However, it was another Frenchman, Clément Berardo, who became the early leader in the clubhouse setting a target of 275, 9-under par at the inland-links in Gelderland.
No less than 15 players were within seven shots of the leader at the start of the final round including the likes of past champion and former World Number One Lee Westwood from England (-11), Italy’s Matteo Manassero and the 20-year old Canadian talent Connelly both on 9-under, and last year’s runner-up, Bernd Wiesberger from Austria who was two shots further adrift.
Aphibarnrat under pressure
Aphibarnrat was looking a tough act to follow. Yet after 12 holes, the Frenchmen had closed the gap. The final group were now locked-in battle all tied on 15-under par. Aphibarnrat then birdied the par-3, 14th to get to 16-under and take the outright lead. Stalter struggled from out of the rough and carded a bogey as Wattel narrowly-missed his birdie. The final round was hotting-up.
In search of his 4th European Tour title, the star from Thailand then faltered at the 15th hole. After a fine tee-shot, he fired a three-wood to the green but came up short dropping into the water at the 553-yard, par 5. A series of poor shots followed resulting in a costly double-bogey 7 to slip back to 14-under. He appeared not only to lose the lead at this point, but also his confidence. Stalter also looked to be getting nervous. A yippy putt resulted in a bogey at 15 to drop back to 13-under.
Advantage Wattel
With just two holes to play, it was Romain Wattell who was leading by one on a score of 15-under. Up ahead, however, a few other players were laying claim to the trophy. Connelly was now in the clubhouse at 14-under. And Westwood, who despite barely holing a putt all day, was also still in contention. He was about to putt for eagle at the final hole to level with the Canadian. The former World Number One had to settle for a birdie and a share of third place along with Eddie Pepperell (England), Justin Walters and George Coetzee (South Africa) and Germany’s Sebastian Heisele.
Connelly ready for a play-off
As the end of regulation play drew to a close, it looked more and more likely that the fans would be treated to an exciting play-off. It was all down to nerves now. Who would hold his nerve down the final hole? Connelly, still in his golf shoes, was now glued to the television watching the final group.
Aphibarnrat hit an enormous drive down the par-5, 18th. A monster shot of some 324 yards leaving himself with the chance of making the green in two. Alas, he seemed a little hasty taking his 4-iron shot and the ball disappeared into the water. All he could hope for now was to chip-in for birdie from the dropping zone to level with Wattel.
It didn’t happen. Aphibarnrat eventually holed-out for another double bogey seven to plummet to a share of ninth spot. He quietly threw his ball into the water in disgust before shaking Wattel’s hand. The Frenchman had stuck to his game plan. His conservative play over the closing holes had rewarded him with four straight pars. By just a one-stroke, Romain Wattel had clinched the Dutch Open title with a tally of 269. Young Austin Connelly was runner-up on his own (270, 14-under). Joël Stalter shared third spot with five other players including Westwood on 271.
Some say that Aphibarnrat should not have “gone for broke” on the final hole. But that is his style of play. He had already proven his skill there the day before by going for the green with his second shot and reaping the reward of a crucial birdie to take a one-shot lead into Sunday. A repeat of this grand feat on Sunday may have put the pressure on Wattel and even seen Aphibarnrat lift the trophy. We shall never know.
Historical French victories
A French victory in the Dutch Open Championship for the first time since 1933 when Marcel Dallemagne won at the Kennemer G&CC had looked a slim possibility at the start of play. Especially after the withdrawal of Ryder Cup player Victor Dubuisson at the eleventh hour.
So if Marcel Dallemagne was the last Frenchman to win the Dutch Open, who was the first? That honour went to Auguste Boyer. His historical victory was a year earlier in 1932 at the Haagsche. Indeed, he inspired a new trend. It was the beginning of a new era where champions came from around the globe, putting an end to a 20-year dominance by the Dutch and, in particular, the English.
Yes, back-to-back victories for the French in 1932 and 1933. And, surprisingly, the record books also reveal that Romain Wattel has become only the third Frenchman to win the championship.
Getting to know Romain Wattel
The modest young Frenchman, who lives in Dubai, turned professional in 2010. His maiden victory in the KLM Open has earned him not only 300,000 euros but also a handsome bunch of Ryder Cup points (305,940 to be precise). He now stands second in the Ryder Cup ranking. And that is great timing for next year’s bi-annual clash with the Americans which is to be held for the first time in Paris.
“Formidable Romain Wattel”! Many congratulations on your first European Tour victory – you are a worthy Dutch Open Champion!
Wendy Hoad
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Romain Wattel holing out for victory on the final green at The Dutch by Getty Images. MINIS: (l-r) Bernd Wiesberger, Sebastian Heisele, Lee Westwood and Chris Wood. CENTRE: Austin Connelly (l) and Romain Wattel. BELOW: 2017 KLM Open Champion Romain Wattel in action at The Dutch by Getty Images.