History
The KLM Open is one of the oldest tournaments on the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) and the oldest international sporting event in the Netherlands. The first edition was held in 1912 at the Haagsche Golf & Country Club.
Six Dutch players have claimed the title over the years. Amateur Gerry del Court van Krimpen was the first in 1915, while Joost Luiten remains the most recent Dutch winner, having secured victory in 2016 after also winning in 2013. Other Dutch champions listed on the trophy include Jacob Oosterveer (1917), his brother Dirk Oosterveer (1919, 1930), Joop Rühl (1947), and Maarten Lafeber (2003).
The KLM Open’s roll of honour also features celebrated golfers such as Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, José Maria Olazábal, Lee Westwood, Payne Stewart, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer, and Thomas Pieters.
When KLM returned as title sponsor of the Dutch Open in 2004 (after previously sponsoring the event from 1981 to 1990), the tournament quickly evolved into a trendsetter on the European Tour. The traditional “tent village” transformed into a “Village,” and innovations like Beat the Pro gained worldwide exposure and admiration. The KLM Open is a tournament that resonates with every golf enthusiast.
In collaboration with TIG Sports & Events and other partners, KLM has laid the foundation for a top-level golf tournament highly valued by both fans and players.
