Chacarra a brilliant – and once again Spanish – winner of the KLM Open
There is no shortage of Spanish winners of the KLM Open. Exactly 50 years after his illustrious compatriot Seve Ballesteros lifted the trophy, a new name was added today: Eugenio Chacarra.
The 26-year-old from Madrid became emotional as he realised what he had just achieved. Every Spanish golfer is aware of Ballesteros’ legacy, and each of them would love to see their name on the same trophy that also bears Seve’s. His father, Ignacio, was also present beside the green.
“That he was here makes me emotional too. This tournament has so much history. I’m proud that my name is now on this trophy as well,” Chacarra said, struggling to hold back his emotions. “I received a wildcard for this event as an amateur in 2019. I have not forgotten that. The KLM Open will always be a special tournament for me.”
World-class shot
Chacarra started the final round as joint leader. A bogey on the opening par-5 (hole 3) did not help his cause, but the Spaniard, dressed entirely in black, made few mistakes afterwards, certainly fewer than his rivals.
On hole 9, the nearly two-metre-tall player produced a rare birdie, taking a three-shot lead into the final nine holes. In golf, however, that is rarely a guarantee, and today was no exception. When victory seemed within reach, things briefly tightened up and the chasing pack closed in again. But on the 18th hole, Chacarra produced a stunning approach to the green, leaving himself two putts for victory.
“My best shot ever,” he said afterwards.
PGA Tour ambition
“I stayed patient. A lot went my way this week, and I hit a lot of good shots. I like difficult courses, and this week the course really suited me.”
It is Chacarra’s second win on the DP World Tour; he previously won in India last year. “My ultimate goal is to play on the PGA Tour. Maybe today I’ve taken another step closer.”
Dutch players
The three remaining Dutch players at the KLM Open largely played in the shadow of the title contenders. Lars van der Vight finished 38th and, as best Dutch player, received the Gerard de Wit Medal during the closing ceremony.
There was briefly hope before the final round that the young tour professional from Brabant could climb towards the top ten, but four bogeys in the first nine holes ended that scenario. The back nine also failed to produce a birdie.
His final-round 76 (+5) was by far his highest score of the week, but he was not too downhearted. “I stand here with a proud feeling. I would have signed for this beforehand, so I can’t complain too much. Being the best Dutch player was a quiet goal.”
Robbie van Erven Dorens Trophy
For Neville Ruiter, there was no low round left in the tank today (+7), but the 24-year-old amateur had already said on Saturday that his KLM Open could not be spoiled, regardless of Sunday’s score. As the only one of five amateurs to make the cut, he finished as the best amateur and received the Robbie van Erven Dorens Trophy at the prize ceremony.
Next year, he hopes to return as a tour professional at his home course, Kennemer. If so, he is aiming higher than this year’s 67th place.
