Lafeber lines up with McGinley at KLM Open

Dutchman Maarten Lafeber begins the defence of his KLM Open title today playing alongside two of his rivals for a Ryder Cup place.

Lafeber, the first home winner of this event in 56 years last season, tees off alongside England’s Ian Poulter and Ireland’s Paul McGinley.

Poulter, eighth in the Ryder Cup European points table, currently holds a place in the team but Lafeber and McGinley both harbour outside hopes of making a last-minute run.

But this week Lafeber prefers not to think about it – he concedes his chances are slimmer than McGinley’s – as he is determined to enjoy the surroundings.

“It is really nice to be back as defending champion and the course is in great shape and playing quite well,” he said.

“People expect a lot of you but there are some good players in the field this year who have a chance of getting to the Ryder Cup so they will be fired up.”

One of those is his playing partner McGinley, who learned this week he has qualified for the USPGA Championship next week, which boosts his Ryder Cup hopes.

“The bottom line is I am €180,000 behind 10th place so that is the minimum I am going to have to make, plus those ahead of me are going to make money,” said the Irishman, who holed the winning putt at The Belfry in the last Ryder Cup.

“Realistically, if I am to make the team I have to make over €200,000 in the next four tournaments.

“Whether I do it here or at the USPGA I don’t care but I will be going hell for leather. Getting in the PGA is great and gives me another opportunity.

“I can’t affect what anyone else does. I finished the last campaign strongly and ended up making the team comfortably. It would be nice to do the same this campaign.

“Last time at this stage I was hovering around 10th position and finished comfortably seventh, nearly sixth. Something similar this year I would be very happy with.”