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KLM Open Preview, Picks & Analysis

By: Golfshake Editor | Sun 04 Sep 2016


Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements


ALL eyes will be on home hope Joost Luiten when the KLM Open is played at The Dutch in Spijk for the first time. The course only measures 6,981 yards, is a par 71 and is made for low scoring, so we should see a lot of rounds in the sixties.

There will also be a unique innovation at the par three 14th when a number of fans get the chance to hit a shot during both the first and third rounds. Basically, one amateur will tee up with each group during the first and third rounds and anybody who gets the ball closer to the hole than their professional partners will walk away with a prize. It is sure to be a popular feature.

Luiten is one of Holland's most popular sportsmen and is bitterly disappointed to have missed out on the Ryder Cup, but he would salvage something from his season by winning his national open. He won it back in 2013 and it remains his career highlight. Luiten is one of the best putters in Europe and if he is on song on the greens at The Dutch he will be difficult to beat.

Bernd Weisberger is another who was expected to be playing for Europe. Many respected critics thought he was a shoo-in for Darren Clarke's team, but the Austrian suffered an alarming summer slump that ended his chances. Weisberger tends to be quite hard on himself when things don't go his way but make no mistake - he is a world-class golfer who, on his day, can beat anybody. The question is: can he rediscover his best before the season peters out?

Thomas Pieters is the defending champion, it was won in 2014 by Paul Casey, by Peter Hanson in 2012, Simon Dyson in 2011 and Martin Kaymer in 2010. Dyson has struggled all season since returning from a horrific wrist injury, but returning to the site of past glories may inspire him.

Pieters, of course, is in the form of his life, clinching his place as a Ryder Cup wild card by winning the Made in Denmark in front of Darren Clarke, who was effusive in his praise of the Belgian when announcing that he had picked him for Hazeltine. The former Open champion said that Pieters is destined for the very top of the game and he does seem to have everything. He hits the ball miles, is a terrific iron player and, when he is in form, holes putts from everywhere. With the pressure off his shoulders, it would be no surprise whatsoever to see the young man successfully defend his title.

Oliver Wilson is an enigma. A former Ryder Cup player, his game fell off a cliff until, without warning he appeared from nowhere and won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews two years ago. Without Wilson knowing, his wife drove through the night after the third round to be with him when he secured his first victory. After years in the wilderness, it was a heartwarming story that seemed to have a happy ending. But the past two years have seen Wilson's form slump once again. So it has been uplifting to see glimpses of life lately in Denmark and Switzerland.

KLM Open Picks & Tips

To Win: Thomas Pieters. In the form of his life

Each Way: Joost Luiten. Will want to perform well in front of home fans

KLM Open Fantasy Picks

Thomas Pieters. Ryder Cupcan't come soon enough

Joost Luiten. Ready for another good week

Bernd Weisberger. Has point to prove to himself

Alex Noren. Another good season by the Swede

Chris Wood. Preparing for Hazeltine

Oliver Wilson. Thankfully, showing signs of life again

Ross Fisher. Some good finishes in 2016

Richie Ramsay. On the crest of a wave

Nathan Holman. Terrific young Australian prospect

 


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Tags: european tour



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