The KLM Open provided a storyline to captivate the Dutch fans 12 months ago when home favourite Joost Luiten defeated Miguel Angel Jiménez in a play-off, and Robert-Jan Derksen hopes it can be his turn to take on the role of protagonist this year.
The 40 year old is playing in national Open for the 20th and final time this week, after announcing at the start of the season that he will retire at the end of the 2014 campaign.
Kennemer Golf and Country Club would therefore provide the perfect stage for him to bow out in style, as he targets one more European Tour title to go alongside his victories in the Dubai Desert Classic in 2003 and in Madeira two years later.
Derksen’s best performance in the KLM Open was a share of 11th position in 2011, and an first top ten finish, or more romantically a fairy tale victory, would be the ideal way to bring the curtain down on two decades of competition.
He said: “I’ve played the tournament three times as an amateur, and this will be my 17th time as a pro. It’s special every year but this year it’ll obviously be extra special, as it’s my last appearance. You always want to do well in your home Open, but this time I’ll be trying harder than ever because it’s my last chance.
“It was the one tournament I’ve always wanted to win above all others, but of course there’s always extra pressure and extra focus on you this week, so it’s not easy. That would be the ideal outcome to win on my last tournament, but hopefully I can make it to the weekend and have a good tournament.”
Since announcing his impending retirement at the start of the season, Derksen has recorded some strong performances on The 2014 Race to Dubai, with three top ten finishes to his name including a share of fourth in both the Hong Kong Open and the Nordea Masters.
Those displays have further strengthened his belief that there could be one last twist in his European Tour narrative.
“It has been a good year so far,” said Derksen, who is 84th on the Race to Dubai. “I’ve finished fourth twice and on both occasions I just missed out on being in a play-off by just one shot, so I’ve been pretty close. I’m running out of tournaments to win one more time. It would be nice to be in the position to be in contention on the back nine here. Last week was a good warm up for me and it would be great to carry it on in my last KLM Open. It would be a fairy-tale to win the tournament in my last appearance – let’s hope fairy-tales come true this week!”
