Luiten has form to be first Dutch winner of KLM Open

No Dutch player has ever won the KLM Open but Joost Luiten has the proven form and ability to win the national Open of the Netherlands. Simon Dyson is a three times former winner and is now back to the level of form that saw him last win this tournament in 2011. Alex Noren has also contended several times this season and has the ideal skill’s profile for the Kennemer Golf Club course that hosts this event for the first time since 2009.

The tournament – formerly known as the Dutch Open – was inaugurated in 1972 and some outstanding golfers have won the event, including seven players who were current or future major champions. The field was often enhanced by a stellar player from the US PGA Tour as it was usually played the week after the British Open. The sadly departed Payne Stewart was the champion in 1991, and other players on the list of champions include Bernhard Langer and Severiano Ballesteros.

There are several subplots to this week’s event that offset a fairly average field playing for just about average prize money. This is the third counting event for Ryder Cup qualifying, we are now entering a crucial part of the season as players are looking to qualify for the Final Series and the crowds could see a home winner.

Luiten has missed the cut in the last two KLM Opens, but they were played at the Hilversumsche Golf Club which is less suited to his game. At less than 7000 yards this week’s host course is very short by modern standards and there will be a premium on accuracy over distance. Finding the greens in the correct number of shots and having a decent short game will be key factors and Luiten scores well in both areas.

Dyson is another player clearly suited to the course and has positive memories of the tournament. Two of his wins were at Kennemer so he has the best course form of the entire field. There was a dip in form following his best ever season in 2011 when he won two titles. Dyson is another payer who excels on courses that require consistent approach play.

Noren has also built up a solid bank of form on this week’s course, without looking like winning here. From 2007 to 2009 he made the cut with something in hand and finished inside the top 12 on each occasion. Noren looked to be suffering from contention rust in several events earlier this season but he has a decent opportunity to add to his tally of three European Tour wins at a venue where he feels comfortable and can play at his best.

You can follow our tipster Ian Hudson on Twitter at @RockIan62

For more sports betting news and odds for the KLM Open please visit: http://www.ianhudsonsport.co.uk/bookies