KLM Open descends into chaos as protesters interrupt dramatic final hole
Eugenio Chacarra survived a chaotic final-hole interruption to claim his second DP World Tour title at the KLM Open.
Position | Player | Score | R4 |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Eugenio Chacarra | -11 | 70 |
2 | Oliver Lindell | -10 | 69 |
T3 | Sebastian Söderberg | -8 | 73 |
T3 | Maximilian Steinlechner | -8 | 71 |
T3 | Angel Ayora | -8 | 70 |
T3 | Joe Dean | -8 | 69 |
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Shocking scenes unfolded during the closing moments of the KLM Open as protesters disrupted play on the 18th hole at The International in Amsterdam, casting a shadow over an otherwise thrilling finish to the DP World Tour event.
With the tournament hanging in the balance on the par-5 closing hole, a group of protesters entered the water hazard to the left of the 18th green and began setting off flares and pyrotechnics while shouting slogans as the final groups prepared to hit their approach shots.
The incident occurred as Finland's Oliver Lindell, who was chasing his maiden DP World Tour title, stood in the fairway just one shot behind leader Eugenio Chacarra.
The timing could hardly have been worse, with the championship still up for grabs and players attempting to focus on one of the most important shots of the week.
The nature of the protest was not immediately clear, but tournament officials moved swiftly to minimise the disruption.
In an extraordinary response, dozens of DP World Tour staff and volunteers formed a human shield between the protesters (see below) and the players near the left side of the green.
To his credit, Lindell remained composed amid the chaos. The Finn produced a birdie on the final hole to post 10-under-par and set the clubhouse target.
That left Chacarra needing a birdie of his own to secure victory, and the Spaniard duly delivered under pressure.
After finding the 18th fairway with his drive, former LIV Golf player Chacarra struck a superb long-iron approach onto the green before calmly two-putting for birdie to complete a final-round 70 and claim a one-shot victory on 11-under par.
Once the winning putt dropped, Chacarra unleashed an emotional celebration.
Friends and family flooded onto the green before drenching the 26-year-old from Madrid with champagne as he celebrated his second DP World Tour title.
Former football star and passionate golfer Ruud Gullit was also among those waiting greenside to congratulate the champion.
Check out the full prize money payouts from the 2026 KLM Open.
The victory continues Chacarra's rapid rise in the professional game.
Chacarra, who won his first title at the Hero India Open in March 2025, now moves up to sixth in the Race to Dubai standings and strengthens his bid to earn a PGA Tour card for next season.
"Shot of my career definitely," said Chacarra, reflecting on his long iron into the 18th green. "You dream of hitting a shot like that in the moment."
"It feels so nice to win with my Dad here," he added. "To win in front of my Dad who has given everything to me means so much."
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
