Nicolas Colsaerts is delighted to be competing on European soil again as he prepares for this week’s KLM Open in the Netherlands.
The Belgian Ryder Cup star has been playing a split schedule this year, but after his exploits in America Colsaerts is now keen to compete on his “home” European Tour again.
“I’ve played over in America a little bit and I haven’t really played over here that much, so I’ve missed it and I’m looking forward to this stretch at the end of the year with courses we know,” said Colsaerts.
“This is probably the closest tournament to home for me, so it’s always been special for me. I’ve got to know a lot of people here over the years, and it’s always great to support the tournament.”
Colsaerts has recently taken a break from the game after a hectic couple of years that saw him win his first two European Tour titles before making his Ryder Cup debut in Medinah.
And the 30 year old now hopes to grab a first win of the season on his comeback, having registered five top-ten finishes on The European Tour so far this campaign.
“I took a few weeks off, because I’d played a lot of golf over the last 18 months,” added Colsaerts. “With The Ryder Cup last year I was chasing the points to try to get into the team, and playing so much golf took a toll on my physical condition. I think I played over 30 tournaments last year, and my schedule this year has been almost as busy with the commuting from America to Europe.
“So I needed a break, and I only started hitting the ball again five days ago. It felt pretty weird at first – I don’t remember the last time I’d taken such a long break from the game through choice. But it was vital for me to do so, and I feel a lot better for it now.”
Another player hoping for a first win of the season is Miguel Angel Jiménez, who is eager to turn his good recent form into victory.
The Spaniard’s top-five finish in Switzerland last week came on the back of coming 13th at The Open Championship, fourth at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and 29th at the US PGA Championship, with a missed cut in Wales his only poor result in the last five outings.
And now The European Tour’s oldest winner is aiming to break his own record in Zandvoort.
“I’ve been hitting the ball very well for the last few tournaments, and I hope it can continue this week,” said Jiménez. “The course here is very interesting – it’s the first time I’ve played it. It’s beautiful, and I’m looking forward to playing it in tournament conditions.
“From what I’ve seen so far, it’s going to be important to put your ball in the right areas, on the fairway but mainly on the greens. They’re very slopey in places, so if you leave yourself with long putts across the greens, you could be in trouble.
“I’m still playing competitively, I’m still enjoying my golf and I feel good, I enjoy my life so hopefully I’m doing something right.”
