Connor Syme triumphs in KLM Open 2025: wins battle against wind, rain and tears
The KLM Open has a new champion. Connor Syme will forever remember the tournament in Amsterdam as his first DP World Tour victory. “Great golf, good times” indeed for the 29-year-old Scot, earning the admiration of tournament director Ruud Gullit. “Hats off to everyone who played a role in making this happen. With better weather, we would’ve seen even more spectators, but those who did come had a fantastic time.”
Conner Syme (foto Getty Images / Stuart Franklin)
Admiration
Tournament director Ruud Gullit expressed deep admiration for the winner. “Connor played incredibly well. There’s no luck involved here—you need to hit truly great shots to conquer this course.
”In his first year as tournament director, Gullit’s passion for golf has only grown stronger. “I really enjoyed the energy this week—the people’s enthusiasm, and the tireless work of the greenkeepers, who were up at 4 a.m. every day to prepare the course. I personally thanked them, along with the volunteers, with whom I even played a game of Wheel of Fortune. It meant a lot to me to stand among them and show appreciation for everything they do.
All in all, it was a successful 105th edition of the KLM Open, visited by 35,000 spectators. “With good weather, the crowd would’ve been even bigger. That might have held back some doubters, but those who came truly enjoyed themselves.”
Dedication
For sporting director Daan Slooter, this KLM Open will be one to remember. “Without a doubt, this was the most memorable edition ever. The players were tested on every level: skill, stamina, and resilience. The winner showed he could master all conditions. We, as an organization, were pushed to our limits too. But we didn’t break—we stood tall. What moved me most was the unmistakable passion and commitment from everyone involved: volunteers, the club, suppliers, security—they all contributed with a big smile to an unforgettable KLM Open.
Conner Syme op weg naar hole 18 vh KLM Open (foto Getty Images Stuart Franklin)
Scottish weather
After 181 attempts, this was Syme’s first win on the DP World Tour. He finished two shots ahead of Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren. Syme is the seventh Scot to win the KLM Open. Two other Scots made it into the top five: Richie Ramsay and Ewan Ferguson—who even made a hole-in-one—clearly felt right at home in the Scottish-like weather. They were among the first to greet Syme at the 18th green, alongside his wife Alanis, who had flown in that day. With tears in his eyes, Syme could barely find the words. It was a day of wind, sweat, and tears. “I’m proud—of myself and my team who’ve supported me so much. These conditions weren’t easy, but I managed to play great golf when it mattered most.
Good times in het KLM Open promodorp ( foto: Shapevision)
Dutch players
Of the four Dutchmen still in the tournament, Darius van Driel and Daan Huizing looked poised for high finishes. With a score of -4 after 14 holes, Van Driel was in strong contention—just two weeks after his runner-up finish at the Soudal Open. But three bogeys on the final hole left him describing his performance as a “half-empty glass”.
“It’s tough to end like this. I was hoping to finish in the top 10, but that didn’t happen. It may have been the longest golf week I’ve ever had, but the support was amazing. So many people walked with me today—maybe even more than with the leaders. I think I’ve gained some new fans these past weeks.”
Huizing was still in the running for a top-10 spot until two holes before the finish, but a slip-up at 17 dropped him back. He still managed to end in the top 20. “I definitely had my chances but didn’t convert them. Still, I’m happy with how I played. I enjoyed it and feel like I’m on the right track.”
Lars van Meijel finished 55th, and Lars van der Vight came in 70th. This year, sixteen Dutch players competed in the KLM Open.
