Pablo Larrazábal may have missed out on The European Tour’s first sub-60 round, but the Spaniard had more than ample consolation in the shape of a course record 62 and two shot halfway lead at the KLM Open.
The three-time European Tour winner, a former Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, admitted that the magic 59 was in his sights when he set off with six consecutive birdies from the tenth at a breezy Kennemer Golf & Country Club.
That saw the 31 year old turn in 28 on the par-70 set-up, but there were only three further gains on the way in – including a brilliant approach to six feet at the ninth, his last - along with a dropped shot at the eighth.
“I started very fast with birdies on the first six holes and then I tried just to play golf and put myself in position to make some more but the round cooled down a little bit in the middle,” said Larrazábal.
“After starting with six birdies I was thinking, it is a par 70, I only need five more [for a first 59 on The European Tour]. The middle of the round it cooled down but it was a great shot into the last to finish with a 62.
“I was aware of the 59 more than the course record. I thought about the 59 when I started with six birdies. I thought I only need five more to make the magic number, but maybe I put pressure on a bit more. I’ve a few course records around Spain but none on The European Tour, so it is nice.
“It is tough to make birdies here but I putted great. I worked on Wednesday with my coach and my reading is a lot better - I’m making putts. I’m hitting the ball good, not as good as the past, but I’m making putts.”
At ten under par Larrazábal held a two shot lead over Italy’s Edoardo Molinari and France’s Romain Wattel.
Wattel had six birdies in his round of 65, including a tap-in at the fifth where he left his approach stone dead.
After 15 top-ten finishes, the 23 year old is still chasing his first European Tour title and said: “That was a really good round.
“I’m really pleased with the way I played. Fortunately I was playing with Peter [Uihlein] who had a good day as well, so that was nice.
“I’ve never played with Pablo before so that could be interesting (if it stays like this). But I’m in a really good position and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
Molinari has recorded three top-ten finishes and risen to 29th on The Race to Dubai as he continues to rediscover his form after a string of injury problems.
“I didn’t play that well to be honest but my score was very good,” said the former Ryder Cup player.
“I managed to keep the ball in play and that saved the day. My position is great, the game is not at the moment, but I’ll take eight under par.”
American Uihlein, Dane Søren Hansen and Scot Richie Ramsay, who aced the 11th, were all tied for fourth on six under.
“The wind was off to the right with a front left flag,” Ramsay said of his hole-in-one. “I hit a lovely shot, eight iron and held it up.
“It looked like it was close and then it just dropped in like a putt. There were a few high fives on the tee which was nice, and it was a great way to start the round and I got off to a bit of a flyer.
“Winning a year’s supply of beer from Warsteiner [for the hole in one] is fantastic. My phone is going to be ringing off the hook. I’m sure they will be put to good use, so thanks to them. It will be a good party going on in the winter time, that’s for sure.”
Defending champion and home favourite Joost Luiten, who held a share of the overnight lead following his first round 65, added a second round 70 to remain five under par.
