Seaside-Based Kearney ‘Right At Home’ On Dutch Open In-Land Links-Like Course

Dubliner Niall Kearney admitted he felt right at home after setting a new course record 65 in the heart of Holland on day one of the 102nd Dutch Open.

Kearney, 33, didn’t drop a shot in a blistering seven-under par 65 in ideal conditions on the Bernardus course hosting the prestigious event for the first time.

The course, located around 110 kms from Amsterdam was designed by renowned course architect Kyle Phillips who designed the famed Kingsbarns Links course close to St. Andrews and will next week be one of three host venues for the Dunhill Links Championship.

The Royal Dublin attached Kearney birdied three of his closing four holes to lead by a shot from German Max Kieffer and Dane Martin Simonsen.

“I found it really enjoyable,” said Kearney, currently in 128th position on the money-list and needing to be inside the top-115 to retain Tour membership.

“It’s got a links feel to it. I play so much links golf at home, so I felt right at home.

“I’ve had the last three weeks off, so I feel somewhat rested and I really enjoyed it. I had a chip-in midway through the back nine so that was a big help and finished well, a couple under for the last three holes so it was nice to finish that way and especially holing out from 30-feet on 18 to finish.”

This week is Kearney’s 14th event this season and capped by a closing round 61 to share fourth at the Canary Islands Championship and with a share of eighth last month in Scotland as he only top-10s.

“This year has been positive for me,” Kearney added. “I’ve had a lot of really good finishes and put myself in the right places and I’ve grown in confidence from it. I’m starting to feel a bit more comfortable which is great.”

And if Kearney wanted a good omen, the course superintendent at Bernardus happens to be a fellow Irishman, Niall Richardson who was previously involved at Carton House and with whom Kearney caught up with earlier in the week to get the lie of the land.

“I was chatting to him earlier this week,” said Kearney. “He actually grew up not too far from me. The course is fantastic. It’s only three or four years old but it looks like it’s been here fifty years. He’s done a great job. It’s in really good condition. A first-class facility and I’m delighted to be here.”

Ryder Cup vice-captain Graeme McDowell, playing the event for the first occasion since 2004, signed for a 71 that included three birdies and one less bogey.

“I didn’t drive the ball all that well today but then I got lucky a few times but overall, I left a few out there on the greens, so I’m already excited to get back out on the course tomorrow”, he said.

Gavin Moynihan posted a 71, Ardglass pro Cormac Sharvin a one-over 73 while Mallow pro James Sugrue signed for 74 and Paul Dunne a 76.

 



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