Rolf Muntz opened a one-shot lead after the first round of the KLM Open in Zandvoort after a superb six-under-par 64.
Dutchman leads home event after flawless opening 64 in Zandvoort
Unheralded home player Rolf Muntz opened a one-shot lead after the first round of the KLM Open in Zandvoort after a superb six-under-par 64.
The Dutchman leads Englishman John Bickerton and Dane Soren Hansen who, following his 65, has taken another step towards Ryder Cup qualification.
Hansen headed into this week's event in the tenth and final qualifying spot for Nick Faldo's European team, knowing a strong showing would all but seal a debut against the Americans in September.
His hopes were further boosted by the news that Martin Kaymer, his closest challenger and a mere £213 behind, could manage only a two-over-par 72 - now struggling to make the cut in a tie for 80th.
There was good news for another Ryder Cup hopeful with Justin Rose's decision to return from America for the week paying early dividends as he posted an opening round of 67 to join a group of nine players on three-under-par, just one back of Swede Alexander Noren who is on his own in fourth at four-under.
Rose, eighth in the European qualifying race, had been planning to compete at first FedEx Cup play-off event across the Atlantic, but his desire to cement a Ryder Cup debut led him back to European shores.
The Englishman, who started at the tenth on Thursday, revealed he had endured a less than relaxing night ahead of the first round at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club, but battled well to return a bogey-free round that contained birdies at the 11th, fourth and sixth.
"It must have been three o'clock when I got to sleep - I had a coffee at dinner and there must have been rocket fuel in it," Rose explained.
"I wasn't as rested as I would have liked, but I got away with it. I didn't play particularly well, but I guess I managed it well.
"When you are a pro you learn how to make the most of your game when you are not tip-top.
"I'm really pleased - I knew coming here that there would be a lot of attention on the Ryder Cup, but I just had to try to get into the mindset of playing tournament golf."
However, the day belonged to former British amateur champion Muntz who, no longer a European Tour card holder, had to qualify for the event.
Having hit the turn in 34 shots after birdies at two and six, Muntz stormed home in just 30 strokes with three more birdies coming at ten, 11 and 12 and his sixth and final one at the 16th.
"It's awesome playing in front of your home crowd and it was a gorgeous round - the kind you plan on paper and it actually works out," the beaming Dutchman said afterwards.
Oliver Wilson, sitting ninth between Rose and Hansen in the Ryder Cup standings, produced a solid 69 to stand five shots off the pace, while Darren Clarke who still maintains wildcard aspirations went one better with a 68 that leaves him level with Michael Campbell and Henrik Stenson amongst others.
However, it was a poor day for another Ryder Cup hopeful with Nick Dougherty carding a disappointing 73 having lost a ball with his second shot of the day.
