Dutch contenders hope for extra support from the ‘home crowd’
At the KLM Open, it is also tradition to raise expectations for the home players. Understandably so, as the thousands of golf fans would love nothing more than to see a Dutch player lift the trophy. “With the crowd behind you, it’s definitely more enjoyable for us to play.”
There was cake with sparklers, and Joost Luiten even led an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” as Darius van Driel turned 37 today, a fact that could not go unnoticed during the press conference. Van Driel himself had barely had time to celebrate, even at home. “I was in the car by six o’clock this morning to go and practice. My wife and child were still asleep.”
In orange
Alongside Van Driel and Joost Luiten sat Mike Toorop, the third Dutchman this season to hold a DP World Tour card. Also present were Ruud Gullit and Daan Slooter, who jointly form the tournament management of the KLM Open.
Luiten stood out in orange behind the table. “Apparently I’m the only one who got the memo,” he joked to the others.
Van Driel apologised: his clothing sponsor does not offer orange apparel. Mike Toorop is still waiting for his order. “When I heard about the initiative, I immediately ordered an orange shirt, but the package hasn’t arrived yet. Hopefully it gets here in time.”
A beautiful image
This year, more than ever, the KLM Open carries an orange atmosphere. Partly due to the upcoming World Cup, where the Dutch national team hopes to perform well, but mainly, as Gullit emphasised, because the Netherlands should proudly embrace its colour more often.
“The ‘Orange Army’ makes an impression all over the world. Why wouldn’t we carry that through to our biggest sporting events? We should be proud of that colour.”
In other words, The International will host an orange celebration this week. Visitors are encouraged to wear orange. Luiten, a long-time tournament ambassador and two-time winner (2013, 2016), already answered the call. In fact, he has decided to play in orange every day this week.
“Normally I only wear it on Sunday, but for this week I’ll wear it every round. I think it’s a great idea. Even the volunteers are in orange this week. It creates a great picture.”
Contribution from the crowd
When asked whether he is not concerned that the choice might disrupt his routine, Luiten, who also carries an orange golf bag, replied: “I’m not very superstitious. Unlike some of my followers, apparently, because once I forgot to pack an orange shirt and had to play in white on Sunday, and I received quite a few worried messages about that.”
With fans also wearing orange, the three Dutch contenders hope to feel even more support from the home crowd. Luiten: “Because this really feels like our home tournament. I’ve won it twice and finished second once, and the crowd really played a part in that. Abroad you’re one of many players, here it’s different.”
Reward for a good year
Van Driel, who has finished fourth here before, also enjoys playing on home soil. “It’s nice when a lot of spectators follow your group.”
For Toorop, a member of The International, it’s no different. “It makes me just a bit sharper without even realising it. In previous years it always felt like a reward for a good season or a strong result. Now that I have DP World Tour playing rights myself, it feels more like just another event, but it remains special to compete at this level in my home country.”
Testing conditions with wind
The trio was more reserved when discussing their chances this week. Van Driel has started the season well but does not yet feel he is in peak form. Luiten showed himself at the top in Austria last week before fading slightly on the final day. Toorop is still inconsistent, alternating between poor and much stronger rounds.
“A lot will depend on the conditions this week,” Luiten said. “If the wind really picks up and you’re hitting three clubs more into it, every course becomes tough. You need to be straight off the tee anyway, because the rough here is, to put it mildly, challenging. If you end up in there, the thistles come up to your armpits.”
