Emotional Broberg savours Dutch Open win

September 20th, 2021 / Bernie McGuire

Sweden’s Kris Broberg battled his nerves long enough to hold it together over the final round before bursting into tears of joy in ending a near six-year winless drought to capture the Dutch Open at Cromvoirt.

The 35-year-old went into the final round leading by eight shots after first sharing a new Bernardus course record with a second round 64 and then lowered that by three shots with a 61 on day three.

“Kris Winner Kris Broberg’s emotions get the better of him after “six years of hell” (Credit: European Tour)

His 23-under par tally equalled the 54-hole European Tour record.

After a first hole birdie on day four, Broberg found himself nine shots clear and it seemed the Swede would win by a country mile but that is not always how it unfolds in golf as Broberg began to struggle off the tee

He bogeyed the third but then stalled for the ensuing six holes with each par opening the the door ever so slightly for his rivals.

WITB: KRIS BROBERG

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  • Callaway Epic Speed Triple Diamond 3W (15º)
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  • Callaway Apex Pro 2019 (4-6)
  • Callaway Apex MB (7-PW)
  • Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks Design Proto (52º)
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  • Scotty Cameron Timeless T2 SSS Putter
  • Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball

One of those to put pressure on Broberg was Spaniard Alejandro Canizares who got to within four shots of Broberg with a seventh birdie of his round at the par-5 12th hole and, at that stage, moving to 19-under par.

Germany’s Matthias Schmid, who was seven-under through 12-holes, tried but the birdie on 12 would be the highwater mark of his challenge as he then doubled 13 to eventually sign for a 66 and finish second on 20-under par.

Broberg birdied the 10th but again looked wobbly in dropping shots at 12 and 14.

Canizares kept the contest alive when he birdied 17 but then in choosing to hit his final drive down the left-side and onto the adjoining first fairway, the Spaniard made a mess of it in walking off with a crippling double-bogey ‘7’ in a 68 to finish third at 18-under par.

Broberg then holed a lengthy birdie putt on 17 and pulled off a super drive down the last with his ball stopping just a few feet shy of a left fairway bunker ahead of a regulation two-putt par in a closing 72 for a 23-under par tally.

“I am happy right now but I was struggling all day as the game wasn’t there. I just didn’t feel comfortable over the ball, so I was happy to pull it off”, said Broberg.

During his post-round interview Broberg was reminded that it had been nearly six years since capturing the BMW Masters in Shanghai. It was at that point that Broberg broke down in tears so much so that he struggled to speak with SKY’s John Morgan.

“It means a lot…sorry, I cannot talk…it’s been six-years of hell,” said an emotional Broberg.

Following the presentation he elaborated on his 18th hole emotions.

“It feels good, I broke down on 18 but it’s been six years of hell,” he explained.

“It’s been a nightmare…I was so close to quitting.”

“I’ve had three different surgeries on my left side but now I’m starting to get back where I’m supposed to be.”

Maverick Antcliff was the lone Aussie to mark the weekend cut. Ancliff finished in a share of 27th place at 8-under.

Jake McLeod, Elvis Smylie and Deyen Lawson sat out the final two rounds.