Kaymer To Fly To KLM Glory

The KLM Open takes place in Holland this week, with 2010 winner Martin Kaymer the ante-post favourite.

The Tournament
Originally known as the Dutch Open, the KLM Open was founded in 1912 and has been part of the European schedule since the Tour began in 1972. With the world’s top golfers involved in the FedEx Cup play-offs across the Atlantic, the field for this one is light on star names, but it offers the chance for some European Tour regulars to pick up some prize money and points in the Race To Dubai.

The Course
Last year the KLM Open returned to the Kennemer Golf and Country Club, Zandvoort which has now hosted it on twenty-two occasions. This is a classic, exposed links golf course, wide open to the elements and featuring undulating fairways, thick gorse, deep bunkers and enormous greens. Links specialists will be right at home, as will those who can cope in blustery conditions.

In The Bunker
This time last year Jamie Donaldson was preparing to play in his first Ryder Cup, but 2015 hasn’t been such an enjoyable one for the popular Welshman. He has only made three top tens all year, the latest being at the Players Championship back in May, and was last seen withdrawing from the PGA Championship with a back injury.

He has a reasonable record in this event, but in his current form he can’t be backed at 25/1.

Recommended Bets
As the highest-profile player in the field it is no surprise to see Martin Kaymer topping the antepost betting market and even though he’s a relatively short price, he looks like a solid bet. He’s had a quiet season but has made the top fifteen in three of his last four tournaments, two of which were Majors, and his opening round 64 at the Wyndham Championship a couple of weeks ago was particularly promising.

He won this event in 2010 and at 10/1 is worth backing to bag his first title of 2015.

Joost Luiten has only made one top ten all season and was last seen missing the cut at the PGA Championship, but given his record in this event, he has to be taken seriously this week. He’s finished in the top six four times, winning it in 2013 and finishing fifth last year when the tournament returned to Kennemer. He should be refreshed after a three week break and should be backed at 16/1 to win on home soil.

The final name to add to your shortlist is Tyrrell Hatton. The young Englishman has been in good form this summer, finishing in the top five at the Omega Masters and the Paul Lawrie Match Play and managing his best performance yet in a Major at the PGA Championship. He played this event for the first time last year, finishing strongly with a 65 to break the top-fifteen and at 22/1 looks a good bet.