Ronald de Boer to Perform Ceremonial Opening of the KLM Open 2026
Former Dutch international Ronald de Boer will perform the ceremonial opening of the KLM Open 2026 on Thursday, June 4, at The International near Amsterdam. The former top footballer for Ajax, FC Barcelona and the Netherlands national team will hit the tournament’s ceremonial opening tee shot, symbolically marking the start of the 106th edition of the Netherlands’ oldest international golf tournament.
With the arrival of De Boer, the KLM Open continues its tradition of celebrating iconic Dutch sports figures. Last year, the opening shot was taken by Ruud Gullit, while Marco van Basten fulfilled the role the year before. This year’s KLM Open revolves around the theme “Warming Up for Oranje” and positions itself as the kick-off to the Dutch summer of sport.
Ruud Gullit, tournament director of the KLM Open, did not have to think long about who should take on this role.
“If you want to kick off the Dutch summer of sport, with the FIFA World Cup coming up later on, you naturally look to athletes who have performed at the very highest level,” said Gullit. “Ronald absolutely belongs in that category. He knows what it means to perform under immense pressure, is very familiar with The International, and shares the same passion for golf that all of us at the KLM Open have. That makes him the perfect person for this opening.”
De Boer earned 67 caps for the Netherlands and was part of the legendary Dutch national team that impressed the world at the 1998 FIFA World Cup with its attacking style of play and international flair. Nowadays, he is a familiar face on the golf course and is known as a passionate fan of the sport.
“There’s something addictive about golf,” said De Boer. “The first time you truly hit a ball perfectly and see it fly hundreds of meters, all you want to do is play more. What I love about golf is that, just like elite sport, it’s all about focus, relaxation and performing under pressure. That’s why I’m especially honoured to hit the opening shot at the KLM Open.”
The KLM Open 2026 will take place from June 4 to 7 at The International near Amsterdam. Under the motto Great golf, good times, the tournament combines elite sport with entertainment, Oranje atmosphere and experiences for a broad audience.
