Dutch Open 2021: Ryder Cup vice-captain Graeme McDowell makes fighting start
Thomas Pieters, Andrew "Beef" Johnston and Thomas Detry are all in action at Bernardus Golf, Cromvoirt, Netherlands.
Team Europe vice-captain Graeme McDowell made a determined start at the Dutch Open as Irishman Niall Kearney holds the lead.
McDowell scrambled all day to get into the clubhouse at 1-under par with an opening round of 71.
The Northern Irishman's round included three birdies and two bogeys on a tough day.
He fist-pumped a huge par save at 15 and then found a closing birdie at 18 on the new host venue of the European Tour event.
McDowell, 42, said it was a late decision to play, adding: "I felt like I made the right decision, it's been too long.
"I didn't drive the ball very well today and left a few out there."
Belgium's Thomas Pieters also had a good start (69) to get to 3-under-par.
South Africa's Brandon Stone (68) had a decent day.
Wow, what a touch from @Thomas_Pieters
The Belgian moves to 5 under par.#DutchOpen pic.twitter.com/vjtrkm1D0S
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 16, 2021
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Pieters got to 5-under-par but found the water at the par-3 17th, missing left with a bad mental error.
He compounded his error at 17 and found the water with his tee shot at the par-5 18th.
Thomas Detry (67) played well, draining several long putts and struck his irons well all day after a poor front nine.
Detry is two behind the lead.
McDowell's fellow Irishman Kearney set a new course record (65) to get to 7-under-par with a bogey-free round to gain the sole lead.
What a putt! @tomdetry saves par from 35ft at the 7th.#DutchOpen pic.twitter.com/KOZRMwrbQm
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 16, 2021
Denmark's Martin Simonsen set the early clubhouse lead with with an opening 66.
Simonsen went bogey-free for 18 holes, averaging 1.8 putts per green in reg.
"I usually get off to a poor start then have to scramble on a Friday," the Dane, 32, said.
Pitch perfect from @Graeme_McDowell #DutchOpen pic.twitter.com/XsUs8WnTCK
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 16, 2021
Elsewhere, England's Sam Horsefield (67) made a good start.
Andrew "Beef" Johnston made a solid return to form at Wentworth last week.
He's in the clubhouse at 2-under-par.
Last year's champion, Sergio Garcia, is absent as he prepares for the forthcoming Ryder Cup.
