Dutch Open: England’s Eddie Pepperell one shot behind leader Joost Luiten after opening round | Golf News

Joost Luiten leads Dutch Open after round one, with homeland player looking to win the event for a third time following victories in 2013 and 2016; Eddie Pepperell a stroke back after playing course blind – watch day two live on Sky Sports Golf from 12.30pm, Friday

Eddie Pepperell trails leader Joost Luiten – who is looking to win the Dutch Open for a third time – by one stroke after round one

England’s Eddie Pepperell is one shot behind leader and two-time champion Joost Luiten after day one of the Dutch Open – with his decision to shun a practice round perhaps paying dividends.

The 31-year-old – winless on the DP World Tour since claiming two titles in 2018, including the British Masters at Walton Heath – carded a six-under 66 with seven birdies and a sole blemish on his final hole.

Pepperell later told Sky Sports that he heeded the advice of his girlfriend by opting against a trial run on the course ahead of the tournament.

He said: “Last year I was trying hard, I was turning up to tournaments and working a lot harder than I historically did. I was getting home knackered.

“Jen was like, ‘What? What are you doing? You are used to playing majors blind when you were doing well [and] you didn’t bother with practice rounds’. I think she’s got a point.”

Luiten heads the field in his homeland event, which he previously won in 2013 and 2016, with the 36-year-old firing eight birdies including four across his final seven holes.

Luiten picked up a shot at the 18th to move clear of Pepperell and Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard.

Three shots back on four-under are England’s Richard Mansell, Jordan Smith, Ross McGowan and Ross Fisher – Fisher hitting that mark after an eagle on his final hole.

Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson, Stephen Gallacher and David Law are also at four-under.

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Watch day two of the Dutch Open live on Sky Sports Golf from 12.30pm on Friday. Coverage continues throughout the weekend