KLM Open

Jimenez takes early lead at KLM Open

ESPN staff

September 12, 2013

The highlight for Miguel Angel Jimenez cane on the 16th hole © Getty Images

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Miguel Angel Jimenez birdied two of his final three holes to top the leaderboard at the KLM Open in Zandvoort, holding a one-shot advantage over six other players.

It was a strong opening for 1994 champion Jimenez as he collected four birdies on the opening nine. A bogey on the par-4 sixth and tenth holes did not dent his confidence as he went on to claim another four birdies on the back nine, the highlight being a birdie when holing his pitch shot on the 16th to end the round with a six-under 64.

"When the sun came out I started to play my best golf," Jimenez said. "Holing my wedge shot from 40 metres on the 16th was very nice, then the birdie on the last was a great way to finish. I'm very happy.

"It's a nice course and it's in great condition, so I enjoyed my day very much. It's maybe not playing as firm as it normally would, because of all the wet weather we've had. But hopefully we can get a bit more sun and it will dry out over the next few days."

Trailing Jimenez is fellow Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal, who fired in a five-under 65 to finish tied for second along with Damien McGrane, David Howell, Fabrizio Zanotti, Gary Orr and Robert Allenby.

Tom Lewis, winner of the Silver medal at the 2011 Open, is three-under, while Paul Casey is a shot adrift.

Europe Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley is also two-under, with three-time major winner Padraig Harrington on one-over and Matteo Manassero level-par after the opening round.

KLM Open leaderboard