Migliozzi Embraces Windy Challenge as He Defends KLM Open Crown
Italian star eyes title repeat in Amsterdam and sees Dutch test as perfect U.S. Open tune-up
Paju, Korea - Guido Migliozzi is back in the Dutch capital, armed with confidence, strong memories and a sharp eye on the summer’s Major stage as he defends his KLM Open title at The International in Amsterdam.
The 27-year-old Italian produced a gutsy birdie-birdie finish in 2024 to force – and then win – a dramatic play-off against Joe Dean and Marcus Kinhult, clinching his fourth DP World Tour title. This week, he returns not just as champion, but as a man bound for Oakmont Country Club after qualifying for the U.S. Open via Final Qualifying at Walton Heath.
“It’s very nice to be here,” said Migliozzi. “I love the course. It’s a great test – every shot matters, from tee to green. And with this wind, it’s like playing a new layout. That’s exactly the kind of prep I want ahead of Oakmont.”
The KLM Open, now in its 105th edition, forms the fourth stop on the European Swing and features a $2.75 million prize fund. Migliozzi will face stiff competition this week, not least from Laurie Canter, the highest-ranked player in the field and runner-up in South Africa earlier this season, and Francesco Molinari, the 2018 Open Champion and Ryder Cup hero.
Also flying the flag is local favourite Joost Luiten, a two-time winner of his national Open and a beacon of Dutch golf since his 2007 runner-up finish. Now 39, Luiten is relishing another shot at glory on home soil.
But it’s Migliozzi, a proven play-off fighter, who draws the spotlight as he plots a route through gusty conditions and into the winner’s circle once more.
“This wind changes everything,” he added. “Where last year I’d hit driver-three wood, now it’s three wood-seven iron. That’s the beauty of this place – it keeps you thinking.”
With momentum on his side and a Major beckoning, Amsterdam might just witness another chapter in the Migliozzi march.