2024 DP World Tour
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Open
internationality
June 20-23
European golf was dealt another heavy blow at a major championship when Rory McIlroy faltered in the final holes and handed his second U.S. Open golf title to Bryson DeChambeau (the most American of Americans).
The Northern Irish superstar really had nowhere to hide this time. Bryson couldn't find the fairway to save his life, and McIlroy missed two walks. I really don't know how he recovered mentally this time.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Open
anyway, DP World Tour It's almost time for this year's KLM Open, originally known as the Dutch Open, which was founded in 1912.
It has been an integral part of the tour since its inception in 1972. The 2020 renewal was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic (it would have been the event's 104th edition).
KLM had effectively withdrawn its sponsorship of the past two editions of the tournament due to the post-pandemic economic climate, but has re-assumed hosting duties this season as the tournament aims to regain some of its lost luster.
internationality
This is a mobile event and this year’s update will be held at the 2019 host venue, the International Stadium. The International Stadium opened in 2012 and is quite close to the center of Amsterdam.
The course was designed by former Masters champion Ian Woosnam and Belgian architectural firm Mastergolf. The International Course is a parkland course with some strong golf.
The fairways are undulating and many of the greens are as secluded as a Hobbit hut. The greens are large and require precise shots to create real birdie opportunities.
Sergio Garcia won here in 2019, and his tee-to-green performance that week was far better than his short game. That being said, one tournament is really just a small sample size, and I personally think any golfer could thrive here.
I still think that accurate iron shots are essential to conquering these fast, contoured greens, and I also think that players with links experience should thrive on this layout.
competitor
Sebastian Soderberg is in great form and could be in contention to win this week, but how will he fare after his disastrous defeat in the Scandinavian Mixed?
He lost an eight-shot lead on Sunday, handing the title to Linn Grant, and he actually missed a very short par putt on the final hole that would have forced a playoff.
Tom McKibben, who has quickly become a cult hero, finished in the top 50 at Pinehurst 2. Matt Wallace and Bernd Wiesberger have both regained form in their respective games and should both relish the challenge.
Rasmus Hojgaard had a solid week as he tries to get back to his best form, while defending champion Pablo Larrazabal will probably be confident of getting back-to-back wins against a weaker team.
Previous winners
2023: Pablo Larrazabal (-13)
2022: Victor Perez (-13) *Playoffs
2021: Christopher Broberg (-23) 2020: Event Cancelled
2019: Sergio Garcia (-18)
Direct win:
Sebastian Soderberg 14/1) | Tom McGibbon 16/1 | Matt Wallace 18/1 | Rasmus Høgaard 18/1 | Bernd Weisberg 18/1
Value betting
Adrian Otaegui – 40/1 to win | 17/2 to place
Spain's Adrian Otaegui actually ranks sixth in terms of three-year scoring average. This shows that Otaegui has the ability to dominate this particularly weak event.
He is also a five-time DP World Tour champion, most recently at last month's China Open, an event in which he finished second last season (although that was held at Bernardus).
He also won the 2020 Scottish Championship at the Fairmont St Andrews, highlighting his ability to perform well in links conditions.
Toughest Man to Beat – Guido Migliozzi – 35/1 to win | 15/2 to place
I really think Guido Migliozzi has a good chance to win this week. He has finished in the top two of the last three DP World Tour events.
A month ago, he finished runner-up to Otaegui at the Volvo China Open. Earlier this month, he shared the lead at the European Open before shooting 78 in the final round to tie for eighth.
He had not competed internationally before, but was third after 54 holes at Bernardus two years ago. He had a good tee shot and seemed on his way to victory.