English duo set early pace at damaged-delayed Dutch Open

After a delayed start caused by vandalism to four greens overnight, England’s Simon Dyson and Robert Dinwiddie set a fast early pace at the KLM Open in Holland today.

While defending champion and world number three Martin Kaymer struggled to three over par after 10 holes, twice winner Dyson and Dinwiddie shared top spot at five under.

Dinwiddie, down in 135th place on this season’s money list after making just two cuts in his last 14 starts, birdied six of his first 12 holes, but drove into trouble on the next and bogeyed.

Dyson, meanwhile, eagled the par-five 12th – his fourth – and finished the back nine with a hat-trick of birdies.

They led compatriot Seve Benson and Dane Anders Hansen by two.

Areas on the fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth had been dug up, leading to a 45-minute hold-up while the damage was repaired.

The affected parts were marked off as ground under repair, allowing players to move balls away when necessary.

Championship director Daan Slooter said: “At this moment we do not know who caused the damage. For this evening and the rest of the tournament we have increased security substantially.

“I’m very disappointed for all the people here at the club who worked so hard over the past few days, through challenging weather conditions, to ensure the course was in playable condition.

“However, having said that, the same professionalism of the greenkeepers has ensured that the damage has been repaired so the tournament can go ahead. They are all due a huge vote of thanks.”

Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy were among the later starters.