Wet and windy conditions were a feature of the day at Kennemer, and it was a Dutchman who thrilled the local fans by setting up a potential fairytale victory tomorrow. Joost Luiten, the highest ranked Dutch player in the world, would chip in twice during his third round, as he completed his day in a stunning four-under 66 to reach 10-under for the tournament, to lead the KLM Open by one shot over veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Maarten Lafeber was the last home player to claim victory in the KLM Open back in 2003, and Luiten has given himself an opportunity to win his national championship. The inclement weather made for unpleasant viewing conditions for the spectators, but they would certainly have been heartened by the 27-year-old’s performance.
Luiten started his round with a bogey, but would bounce back with a chip-in birdie at the sixth, before further birdies at the ninth, 10th and 12th holes. A dropped shot would occur at the 13th, but it was in the final stages of the round that the two-time European Tour winner would take control of the tournament. After another chip-in for birdie at the 16th, Luiten would hole a birdie putt from 40 feet on the 17th to send the home fans into raptures. After a par at the closing hole, Luiten would complete a 66, which ranked as the best of the day in difficult conditions.
”It was tough, it was a day all about surviving, especially on the front nine when it was raining and very windy,” said Luiten, who won the Lyoness Open in Austria back in June.
“You knew it was going to be very tough, par was a pretty good score. If you said I would make par before we started I would probably have signed for it so four under is even better and I am pretty happy.”
Six years ago, Luiten came to the public attention after finishing second to Ross Fisher in this event. The Joost Luiten of today is very much different to the exuberant young player of 2007, and he is embracing the pressure of trying to win on home soil.
“I am just trying to enjoy it, it's great to see all the people out there even when its raining and a day like this," he added.
”You know everyone is behind you and you just try to play as good as you can and that's what I am trying to do.”
Also trying to play as good as he can is Miguel Angel Jimenez, who continued his display of consistency by recording an even par round of 70. The 49-year-old, who became the Tour’s oldest ever winner in November, has made just three bogeys all week, with one of those coming during his third round.
With the potential of a 20th career victory on the Tour tomorrow, Jimenez is among one of the Tour’s most popular players, but he is fully aware that the Dutch fans will be fully behind their own man on Sunday.
”Yeah, that’s normal. Luiten’s a great player, so I’m sure the crowds will be supporting him. But they know a lot about sport in this country, so I’m sure they’ll respect me and the other players. I need to get off to a good start, and then maybe they’ll start cheering for me!”
Jimenez’s second victory on the European Tour came in this event back in 1994. Much has happened since then, but the Spaniard is hopeful that he can etch further winning memories in the Netherlands.
“A lot has happened since [winning in 1994]. I’m a bit more experienced now, so I was probably quite nervous back then. But I have some good memories of my win at Hilversumsche, and hopefully I can now win at Kennemer.”
Frenchman Julien Quesne and Ireland’s Damien McGrane are a shot further back of Jimenez at 8-under, with Oliver Fisher and three-time champion Simon Dyson still very much in contention at 7-under.
The 42-year-old McGrane has all-but ensured of his playing rights for next season, but the player from County Meath will be seeking a second victory on the Tour, after claiming the Volvo China Open in 2008.
"It was really enjoyable, my short game was razor sharp which you need in tough conditions. I managed not to drop any shots all day which was a great achievement I am very content.
”I enjoyed it only because I was able to hang in there and picked up a couple of birdies close to the end that turned it into a very good day. When the conditions get tough it falls back on chipping and putting and today I was pretty good at it.
”Some of the holes are brutal, especially on the front nine, and when I weathered as far as number six I knew it would get a little easier. I've been showing reasonable form so I am looking forward to getting to this time tomorrow evening and see what it brings.”
Tomorrow may bring the local joy of a home favourite claiming victory, or a charismatic Spaniard claiming another title in what has been an illustrious career. It’s sure to remain intriguing regardless of the result, with eight players all within four shots of the lead on the fantastic Kennemer course.