Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

He said yesterday he was desperate to defend his ‘fifth major’ title at the KLM Open, and after an opening five-under 65 start, Joost Luiten is in the perfect position to do just that as he sits top of the leaderboard.

If the Dutchman wins this week in Zandvoort he will be the first man from his country to defend a European Tour title. After becoming the first home winner of the KLM Open in a decade last year, the 28-year-old looks more than capable of doing the double after a composed five-under first round.

“For me it was a good solid round and I hit some nice spots.” – Joost Luiten

“I played well and didn’t make any mistakes,” the world No.51 told europeantour.com. “That’s the key on this course, keep the ball in play and take your chances. For me it was a good solid round and I hit some nice spots.

“You have to take your chances. Sometimes you can be conservative and take irons off the tee but if you feel good with the drive you have to hit it and make a tough hole into a birdie hole. It all depends how the winds but I was hitting my drive well and I tried to take advantage of that.”

Read more –> Joost Luiten gunning for his ‘fifth major’

Play was suspended as Luiten reached his 11th hole as Paraguayan Fabrizio Zanotti was taken to hospital after being struck on the head by Frenchman Alexandre Kaleka. Far from disrupting last year’s Lyoness Open champ’s rhythm, he closed out his round in spectacular style, finishing five-under for the last seven holes.

Scots pushing Joost Luiten’s lead

Omega European Masters - Day Two

Day one of the KLM Open is proving successful for a number of Scots, with six currently under-par.

Leading the Scottish charge is Made in Denmark champion Marc Warren. The 33-year-old opened up with a 68, ending the day on two-under-par and three behind the lead.

Jamie McLeary is level with Warren on two-under with the back nine still ahead of him. Chris Doak, Richie Ramsay and Jack Doherty are a shot further back after closing out on one-under-par, as is Scott Jamieson who is through ten holes.

 

 

topics

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship