Stone breaks record as Hend takes KLM Open lead
The dream goes on in Spijk. Another day of sunshine and perfect playing conditions in the third round of the KLM Open saw the course record broken yet again at The Dutch and a new player take the tournament lead. South African Brandon Stone shot an eight-under par 63 on Saturday to pip the course record set by Holland’s Joost Luiten the day before. Stone’s 63 also gets him into a share of 7th place going into today’s final round with among others Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, who was the halfway leader.
The honour of leading the KLM Open going into the final day on Sunday goes to Scott Hend. The Australian shot a 64 on Saturday to get to 14-under par, one shot ahead of Tour rookie Nino Bertasio from Italy who seems to be thoroughly enjoying his visit to Holland. Hend carded six birdies and an eagle in round three. His birdie at the par 5, 18th gave him the edge over 28-year old Bertasio who had led the field until a double-bogey at the last pushed him back into second place.
English trio also in the mix
The stage is set for a thrilling final round at The Dutch with good crowds expected to cheer the home favourite Joost Luiten to his second Dutch Open title. The player from Rotterdam is now tie third, three shots off the lead, together with three Englishmen: Ben Evans, David Horsey and Richard Bland. Historically the English have always done well in Holland. Paul Casey was the last Dutch Open Champion at the Kennemer in 2014. Before that Simon Dyson won three times in a span of six years. Indeed, the very first championship was won by George Pannell. The Englishman won at The Haagsche back in 1912.
Whoever lifts the trophy today, it will be one for the record books as The Dutch has played host to the championship for the first time. Already a memorable week of superb weather and great golf, hold onto your hats, for it’s going to be an exciting Sunday in Spijk!
Wendy Hoad
READ MORE ABOUT the Dutch Opens
The final day of play on Sunday, 11 September is scheduled to begin at 07.40 Amsterdam time. For further information and latest scores: www.klmopen.nl
© Photography by Golfing Inspirations