Dyson looking to repeat at KLM Open

BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2007 KLM Open | Preview | 22 Aug 2007

The KLM Open at the Kennemer Golf Club in Zandvoort in the Netherlands is devoid of some of Europe’s stars this week but there are many interesting scenarios developing as the European Tour heads into the last two months of the regular season.

The tournament is being played for the seventh occasion at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club after making a successful return to the venue last year. A golf club with a very American sounding name, but the golf course itself is a long way from being American in its design. The links layout was originally built in 1929 and designed by Harry Colt, who built several courses in Holland around that time. It received a lot of damage during the Second World War as the German’s dug large excavations on the golf course as a means of stopping British tanks.

Simon Dyson is the defending champion and after a last round of 64 to finish in 6th place at the PGA Championship in Tulsa, he appears well placed to repeat his victory and win for the third time on the European Tour. Dyson finished 23rd last week in Sweden but that may have been a reaction to what was arguably his best ever effort in professional golf the week prior.

Nick Dougherty has mixed his form in recent weeks, finishing runner up in Sweden last week but missing cuts in his two previous starts. His top ten finish at the US Open is perhaps a good guide to where he is at with his game in 2007. He did not play in this event last year.

Like Dougherty, Christian Cevaer finished runner up last week in Sweden and importantly finished fourth at this venue last year, both performances giving his supporters hope this week of a second European Tour win for the Frenchman.

Markus Brier played well early in the season including his victory at the Volvo China Open. He finished well in this event last year and although he has missed his last two cuts in much stronger company, he did finish 12th at Carnoustie. If he could find that sort of form this week he stands a good chance.

Robert-Jan Derksen finished runer up in Russia recently and in general he has played well in 2007. Being a home grown player this week may work for or against Derksen but a good week would not surprise anyone.

Simon Khan and Steve Webster have shown enough in recent weeks to be considered chances this week with Webster in particualr producing several top tens of late.

The Australasian challenge is headed by a completly out of form Michael Campbell, who in another time and another place might be in New York this week. Campbell’s game has slipped badly in 2007 but at some stage it will turn around again. It is hard to imagine that it will be this week but this style of golf course has often brought out the best in the New Zealander.

Scott Strange, Steve Alker, Wade Ormsby, Andrew Tampion, Matthew Zions, Terry Pilkadaris, David Bransdon, Matthew Millar and Terry Price make up the rest from our region.