Pieters claims KLM Open crown

Thomas Pieters secured his second victory on the European Tour after a final round of 65 handed him glory at the KLM Open.

The Belgian began the day two strokes behind overnight leaders Rafael Cabrera-Bello and Lee Slattery, but four birdies on the front nine followed by gains at the 10th and the 13th were enough to seal the youngster the title with a final score of 19 under-par.

Englishman Slattery looked set to force a play-off at the Kennemer Golf & Country Club, but he failed to convert a five-foot par putt at the last and had to settle for a share of second place alongside Spain’s Eduardo de la Riva.

Pieters admitted afterwards that he was delighted to secure another triumph on the Tour, but he conceded that he felt very nervous as he watched the chasing pack play out their final few holes.

He said: “It wasn’t comfortable watching him play the last couple of holes. I was wishing I’d made one more birdie. I’m really happy overall with the week and how I played and it’s nice going forward from here.”

The victory in Holland came just two weeks after the 23 year-old’s maiden triumph on the Tour at the D+D Real Czech Masters and he conceded that his latest success was a lot harder to secure.

He continued: “It feels like this win was harder work than in Czech. I didn’t hit the ball as well. I had a week off in between and did some hard work. There’s plenty to work on, but I’m just happy that I won again so soon.”

Tagged European Tour, KLM Open, Lee Slattery, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Thomas Pieters