Victorious Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley hopes to finish the 2017 European Senior Tour season on a high note as he prepares to tee it up at the first edition of the Dutch Masters.
The Dubliner has made two appearances on the Senior Tour s this year, but is committed to playing the final three events of the season, starting at The Dutch, from October 6-8.
“I’ve had a busy summer, so I’ve not played as much as I’d have liked,” said McGinley, who captained Europe to glory at The 2014 Ryder Cup. “It’s only my third event here in Europe, but I’m looking forward to it. We’ll have a tough week of weather, but the course is in terrific condition.
“I’m playing here and at the Forest of Arden, and it’ll be great to play two events in three weeks. I’m hoping to play Mauritius too if I qualify for that. I know all the guys from being on Tour over the years and it’s great to see all these familiar faces again.
For the second consecutive week, the Senior Tour is playing at a venue which has already hosted a European Tour event in 2017. Last week, Le Golf National, venue of the HNA Open de France and The 2018 Ryder Cup, hosted the Paris Legends Championship and this week The Dutch, home of the KLM Open, welcomes the Tour. Both venues are also European Tour Destinations.
McGinley, a four-time European Tour winner, has played in the KLM Open 19 times since 1993, finishing runner-up on two occasions.
“I like the courses here in Holland,” he said. “I have good form here, even though I haven’t won. This is a modern golf course and plays differently to Hilversumsche, where I came runner-up in 2004, and then Kennemer in 2008.”
Also in this week’s field is 1988 KLM Open winner Mark Mouland. The Welshman won in Holland the year after Gordon Brand Jnr, also teeing it up at The Dutch, secured the title.
“I remember that like it was last week,” said Mouland. “I shot 65 in the last round to beat Des Smyth and I have happy memories of this country.
“The Dutch are very friendly people and I’m looking forward to a good week. This course is fantastic, and I just hope the weather picks up a bit.
“It’s great having the opportunity to play on this course. We can relate to some of the shots the guys on the European Tour have hit, albeit on different tees. It helps us appreciate how tough it is for them, and how far they hit it too.”
In addition to McGinley, eight former Ryder Cup players are teeing it up this week, including Barry Lane, Costantino Rocca and Jarmo Sandelin.
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