Vandalism disrupts KLM Open at the Hilversumsche Golf Club
The start of the KLM Open had to be delayed due to vandalism which took place overnight at the Hilversumsche Golf Club greens. The putting surfaces on the fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth holes were dug up overnight, which resulted in a 45-minute delay on
Thursday morning as green keeping staff worked diligently to repair the damage.
Play will definitely be possible on the greens with the repaired areas, using the golf rules it can fall under the “Ground Under Repair” rule, if they deem it necessary.
KLM Championship director Daan Slooter said while addressing the media, “Early this morning we ascertained damage to four of the greens here at Hilversumsche. At this moment we do not know who caused the damage. All has been restored and the tournament will
resume. For this evening and the rest of the tournament we have increased security substantially.”
He added, “I am very disappointed for all the people here at the club who worked so hard over the past few days, through challenging weather conditions, to ensure the course was in playable condition.”
The Director was also in praise of the hard working green keepers and mentioned that it was their professionalism that ensured the repairs of the damage so that the tournament can go ahead.
There have been other incidents of vandalism at different golf courses but never has it disrupted a tournament, in that respect it is an unprecedented event.
There are no leads so far as to who carried out the attack and what was the motive behind it, but things seem to have simmered down, the players look calm and eager to start the first round.
Top players like Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer are part of the tournament.
The fans should not be worried as play will start shortly.
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