KLM Open Protest Win
Eugenio Chacarra Wins KLM Open With Dramatic Birdie Amidst Protester Disruption
Anonymous
Eugenio Chacarra birdied the final hole to win the DP World Tour’s KLM Open in Amsterdam by one shot over Oliver Lindell, closing with a 1-under 70 after being tied heading into the 18th. He converted pressure with an excellent approach to set up a two-putt birdie, holding off a late charge from Lindell as the leaders traded mistakes and birdies through the back nine. Chacarra described the victory as especially “very unique” because it came in front of his father, while he also reflected on the adrenaline and execution that produced the winning shot. The finish was unusual beyond golf, with protestors running onto the course and into the pond near the 18th green, while DP World Tour staff worked to keep players safe as Lindell and Chacarra played their approaches. The win marked Chacarra’s second DP World Tour title and moved him up to sixth in the Race to Dubai standings, strengthening his path to PGA Tour cards for next season. The next DP World Tour event is the Italian Open on June 25.
Key Points
1
Chacarra’s final-hole environment included major course disruption: protestors ran onto the course and into the pond around the 18th green, “setting off flares and chanting,” while DP World Tour staff lined the green to prevent players from being pushed onto the putting surface. The reason for the protest wasn’t immediately clear, but the report noted Extinction Rebellion had previously delayed tee times for hours at the KLM Open.
2
On Saturday, Chacarra surged into position for the win with a 6-under 65 that included five birdies over his last 10 holes, giving him a share of the 54-hole lead before a more difficult Sunday.
3
Lindell was unable to capitalize despite forcing pressure: the report said he “hit his approach shot into the par-5” while chaos was unfolding, and although his approach came up short he still “was still able to get up-and-down for birdie to tie the lead” for a final showdown.
4
The PGA Tour path is via a specific Race to Dubai rule: the winner’s jump to sixth means he is within the top 10 “players without PGA Tour status,” who “earn their cards for next season on the U.S. circuit.”
5
Sunday’s scoring conditions were described as harsh, limiting low rounds: the report said that only one player managed 3-under or better (Marcel Siem), and Chacarra bogeyed the par-5 No. 3 early before later dropping another shot at the par-4 16th—yet still got the winning birdie from the 18th tee-to-green under pressure.
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