Amstelveen,
17
September
2018
|
17:32
Europe/Amsterdam
Ashun Wu wins KLM Open with wonder shot on final hole
“
“It is always special as a Chinese player to participate in the European Tour. It’s been an amazing week and I’m very happy. We also had good weather throughout the tournament and saw some world-class golf. I personally really like this golf course too and would also like to thank my caddy. The last few holes in particular were incredible, especially the second shot on the final hole… That was the best ball of the week for me!”
Ashun Wu
„
Summary
Ashun Wu struck a birdie on the 18th hole at The Dutch golf course to win the 2018 KLM Open. The Chinese golfer planted his ball next to the flag with a phenomenal second stroke on a par 5. Thousands of golf fans gathered around the green held their breath as Wu just missed his eagle shot but a birdie was enough to win his third European Tour title with a score of -16. The KLM Open 2018 welcomed some 41,800 spectators to the tournament, slightly above the 2017 attendance.
Third victory on European Tour
Wu is the first Asian to have a KLM Open victory under his belt. This was also his third triumph on the European Tour after previously winning the Volvo China Open and the Lyoness Open in 2016.
Playing in the penultimate flight, Wu’s birdie at the 18th hole put pressure on Chris Wood. Having led the field for much of the day, the Englishman was playing in the final group. He needed a birdie himself to tie with Wu but was only able to close with a par. Belgian Thomas Detry and Japanese golfer Hideto Tanihara finished in joint third spot with Ryder Cup vice-captain and triple Major Championship winner Padraig Harrington finishing fourth.
Max Albertus and Mark Reynolds best Dutch players
Mark Reynolds finished as the best Dutchman at this 99th edition of the KLM Open. Thanks to a solid final round of 69, he achieved an equal 53rd place. The 24-year-old Max Albertus from Oss put in another good performance, just like in the 2017 tournament, coming in at a shared 57th place. Out of the 14 Dutchmen who appeared at the start, Reynolds and Albertus were the only ones to make the cut. Two-time KLM Open winner Joost Luiten could not play at The Dutch due to an operation on his wrist in July. Luiten was, however, present over the four days of the tournament to promote the event and golf in general.
klmopen 1
SPIJK, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Ashun Wu of China is presented with the KLM Open trophy by Pieter Elbers, President and Chief Executive Officer of KLM during Day Four of the KLM Open at The Dutch on September 16, 2018 in Spijk, Netherlands. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)