At the end of the opening day of play at the KLM Open, some key talking points have already emerged.
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The KLM Open got underway on Thursday in the Netherlands with sizeable crowds enjoying the first of four helpings of great golf set to take place at the course in the coming days.
An even that has rotated its venue among different courses in recent years, this week’s event marks the first playing of the tournament at The Dutch, the course that will be its host for the next three seasons.
On its first day of European Tour play, The Dutch held up well. The course provided a stern test for the pros, at the same time offering suitable rewards for good shots.
Not only were the pros enjoying their first taste of action on the course either though. In a unique initiative taking place at the event this week, a select group of amateurs are given the opportunity to play the 14th hole alongside groups of professionals as the round is in progress.
That addition to proceedings made for a special atmosphere around the course, particularly on that par 3, and helped to set the tone for an exciting first round of action.
With 18 holes now behind us, what have been the big stories from the KLM Open so far? Let’s take a closer look to find out.
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Pieters Withdrawal Opens Up Field
The size of the field in a golf tournament means there’s no such thing as a surefire winner in any given week. All the same, Belgium’s Thomas Pieters would have been strongly favored by most heading into the KLM Open.
Not only was the young Belgian the defending champion at this event, but having finished in the top five in his last three events, including a win in his last start in Denmark and then having his confidence further fueled by a Ryder Cup wildcard pick; Pieters was certainly the man to beat this week.
Unfortunately, just before play was scheduled to get started on Thursday, Pieters was forced to withdraw from the tournament following an illness that he was blaming on a bee sting from earlier in the week. As disappointing as that news was for Pieters and his fans, the race for this year’s KLM Open suddenly seems a lot more open.
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Congestion At The Top After 18 Holes
At the end of the opening round of action at the Colin Montgomerie designed course, The Dutch, more than 20 players are currently within two strokes of the lead that currently sits on six-under-par.
That makes for a leaderboard that comprises of an eclectic mix of names and experience levels. Currently atop the pile with a one-stroke lead is England’s Ben Evans. Currently ranked just outside of the 500 in the world, Evans has yet to win on tour but impressed with an opening 65.
Among the names positioned ominously just behind Evans is former Ryder Cup player and champion at this event, Peter Hanson. The Swede has shown snippets of improved form of late and a 66 will give him great confidence.
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Byeong Hun An’s Effortless Play
After breaking out with a marquee win for his first victory on the European Tour at the BMW PGA Championship last summer, Byeong Hun An has had a slightly inconsistent year around the world in 2016. On Thursday, he sent a reminder that he has the ability to turn it on almost at will though.
Having started his round on the 10th tee, the Korean put together a somewhat underwhelming first nine holes, turning in an even par 36. From there though, the 24-year-old managed to kick on with four birdies and an eagle to seal an opening 66.
An has only made four European Tour appearances outside of majors and World Golf Championship events so far this season, but prior to this week having finished in the top-10 in three of those four, the youngster will be ready to challenge again.
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Strong Local Interests
The Dutch people aren’t necessarily known for their golf, but as demonstrated at this event every year, they are very passionate about the sport. Luckily for them, the talent with local ties in this year’s tournament have given them plenty of encouragement so far.
Joost Luiten is undoubtedly the country’s greatest hope of success this week, and having started with a steady round of 69, the 2013 champion is well-placed. Dutch fans will be further buoyed by the unexpected company he currently has on the leaderboard though.
Amateur Rowin Caron fired his way to a spectacular opening 66, currently sitting pretty in a tie for second. Beyond that there are a number of other Dutch participants, including Maarten Lafeber, who opened with rounds of 70.
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Form Carrying Over From Last Week
After a dramatic final round of action at the Omega European Masters in the Swiss Alps, the men who comprised the final group on that day all moved on to this week’s KLM Open where their good form continued.
Scott Hend and Richard Bland may not have gotten their hands on the trophy at Crans Montana, but they showed very few signs of a hangover effect from that disappointment. The pair shot matching scores of 67 on day one at The Dutch, putting them in a tie for 10th.
As for last week’s winner, Alex Noren didn’t start quite as fast as his playing partners from last week, but he did manage to put together a good score. An opening 69 doesn’t put the Swede right at the top of the leaderboard by any means, but it has him positioned to make a charge in the coming days.
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