Past Dutch Open Champions alongside the likes of "Beef"
Fresh from his spectacular victory in the ‘Made in Denmark’ tournament after a 4-man play-off, Matt Wallace could well have been the sensation of the KLM Open in Holland (13-16 September). Instead, the 28-year old Englishman, winner of three tournaments already this season, has decided to take a break and skip the 99th edition of the Championship. Nevertheless, the players’ field still looks appetising with no fewer than seven former Dutch Open Champions competing at The Dutch in Spijk together with a number of seasoned golfers with Majors to their credit as well as a good dose of hungry rookies.
Also in Holland this week, there are players anxious to secure their vulnerable Tour cards for next season. Players like the 27-year old Frenchman Romain Wattel who came here with that very intention last year. Holland proved a big surprise for Wattel as he ended up winning the KLM Open, his first tournament on the European Tour, by the narrow-margin of one stroke. The modest young Wattel relishes the thought of defending his title in Spijk.
Alas for Dutch fans, local hero Joost Luiten is not competing this year. The winner of the KLM Open in 2013 and 2016 is still recovering from wrist surgery and is likely to be out of action on the European Tour for at least another few weeks. However, Joost will be present in Spijk all week busy fulfilling his duties as Ambassador of the tournament.
Johnston and Aphibarnrat beef-up Dutch Open
So who are the other big names in this year’s KLM Open? Topping the list for me are former World Number One and winner of the 1999 Dutch Open, Lee Westwood and fellow Englishman, the ever-smiley and larger than life character of Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston. Kiradech Aphibarnrat from Thailand (pictured below) is also fascinating to watch. He came close to victory last year until his attacking style of play landed him in the water down the final stretch.
It’s rare to see two-times Major winner Ángel Cabrera playing in Europe these days. “El Pato”, as the 49-year old from Argentina is fondly nick-named, is taking part in the KLM Open this week for the first time since 2000. So it will be a joy to see him in Spijk. He’ll be looking to beat his best performance in Holland so far – third place in 1997 and in 2000.
Major talent in Spijk
Shubhankar Sharma from India rather took the European Tour by storm this season with two victories early on. He is certainly one to watch this week, along with Ireland’s Padraig Harrington. The former Ryder Cup player and winner of three Majors is busy combining his own playing schedule with that of being Vice-Captain to Thomas Bjorn for the Ryder Cup in Paris later this month.
In all, there are eight past Dutch Open Champions playing in Spijk among them Martin Kaymer (Germany), Ross Fisher (England) and Dutchman Maarten Lafeber. Simon Dyson is a popular player with the fans in Holland. They’ve seen the blond-haired Englishman cross the Channel and seize the title here three-times before. His previous victories were at the Kennemer G&CC (2006 and 2009) and at the Hilversumsche G&CC (2011). However, the inland links golf course in Spijk could well provide Dyson with a new challenge this week.
The weather looks sunny and settled for the next few days, so the stage is set for a great tournament. I’m curious as to who will walk-off with the title on Sunday and whether Joost Luiten’s record-equalling victory score of 265 (19-under par) in 2016 will be bettered. May the best player win!
Wendy Hoad
KEEP UP with all the news and latest KLM Open scores HERE – European Tour
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Andrew “Beef” Johnston. CENTRE: Kiradech Aphibarnrat © Archive photographs.