Sergio soars to 16th European Tour title at KLM Open

KLM Open report: What happened at the International?

In a week where Spaniards Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz were representing Europe in the Solheim Cup, the record Ryder Cup European points scorer was busy succeeding once again on the European Tour.

Sergio Garcia claimed his 16th title as he finished the KLM Open on 18-under-par to secure a one-shot victory over 18-year-old Nicolai Hojgaard

The 2017 Masters Champion held a spot close to the top of the leaderboard throughout the week and recorded rounds of 68-67-66-69.

One foot in the bunker?

Magic from Sergio.#KLMOpen pic.twitter.com/IoLtHFSbpH

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 15, 2019

Garcia said: “I played well all week under pressure. It wasn’t easy, there were a couple of tough moments today but I hung on tough, that’s the most important thing.”

KLM Open report: Talking points

Seven days ago, Scotsman Euan Walker had just finished battling it out for GB&I in the Walker Cup at Royal Liverpool. This Sunday was a little different as his first competition as a professional concluded.

The rookie put in a seriously impressive performance to make the cut and finish on 5-under-par in a tie for 40th.

Walker opened his first pro start with a round of 72 and followed that up on Friday with a 69 to ensure he was sticking around for the weekend.

First weekend as a Pro ✔️ #KLMOpen https://t.co/qirQEWbWBx pic.twitter.com/eiXnmcu5uT

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 13, 2019

Saturday saw him card his second 69 of the week but, with a closing round of 1-over-par, he couldn’t make any late progress.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old will be delighted with his exploits this week and picked up a nice cheque for his efforts.

Matt Wallace had a Saturday to remember as he broke the course record with a blistering 63.

The Englishman opened his week with a 75 and made the cut thanks to a 67 on Friday. He continued his trend of shaving shots from his score in fine fashion on moving day.

He came quickly out of the blocks and, by the time he reached the turn, had six birdies on the card. He then added another four on the back-nine.

A bogey on the 10th didn’t unsettle the World No. 30 and he closed out the historic round in style.

10 birdies and a new course record 🔥#KLMOpen pic.twitter.com/8idek6tw6M

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 14, 2019

KLM Open report: Best bits

Meet 100-year-old golfer Susan Hosang 👵🏻💪

Today she played alongside Matt Wallace, Thomas Pieters and Patrick Reed at the #KLMOpen. pic.twitter.com/a5W6ptjbxg

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 12, 2019