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Dutch Open: an eye on the Ryder Cup for Graeme McDowell

Graeme McDowell will take part in the Dutch Open for the first time in 17 years, as Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt will host the 101st edition of one of the oldest tournaments on the circuit.

The Northern Irishman took two months off to recover from a forearm injury over the summer, before returning to action last week. A return to the game marked by a 49th place in the BMW PGA Championship and, above all, by his role as vice-captain of the European team at the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits next week.

McDowell, one of Padraig Harrington’s five assistants: “ (Tuesday) in practice, I had my watch on when I was playing and it kept ringing, receiving text messages. Now that we have the 12 players (from the European squad), it’s exciting to start working on the chemistry, the pairs and our strategies for what we want to do Friday, Saturday and all weekend. . I would have liked to play but can’t wait to jump on the plane Monday morning with the guys. You have this European logo on your chest, it’s something special, some great memories for me. It would be cool to play well here this weekend, then take off my competitive golfer cap and put on my vice-captain cap, to go and do the best possible job for the European team. »

Luiten for the treble, Pieters almost at home

Local Joost Luiten is delighted to return to his national open after the event was canceled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He will be looking for a third victory at home, after winning the Dutch Open in 2013 and 2016.

The six-time winner of the European Tour trains regularly at Bernardus Golf alongside another former Dutch Open winner, Thomas Pieters, who travels regularly from Belgium to take advantage of the training facilities ” world class “, According to many players.

The Belgian recorded his second top 10 of the year last week at Wentworth and currently sits 69th in the Race to Dubai partnership rankings. He hopes to end his season on a high note to make sure he takes part in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Finally, on the French side, twelve Blues are aligned, including Romain Langasque. The current 131st European will try to stop his series of four failed cuts, on the route drawn by Kyle Philipps.

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