Etchenique wins Staan Open and is promoted safely
Staan Open 2023
Andoni Etchenique played out his experience on the final day of the Staan Open 2023 and secured his second title this season thanks to rounds of 66, 64 and 66 strokes. With an overall score of -17, he is one stroke ahead of compatriot Clement Guichard (-16). German Max Griesbeck shares third place with compatriot Martin Obtmeier (-15) after an excellent 62 (-9) in the final. A third Frenchman, Antoine Auboin (-14), rounds out the top 5.
Westwoud, Netherlands - Three tournaments in three weeks: The Pro Golf Tour is currently traveling through the Netherlands and with the Staan Open the second event of the unique Dutch Swing took place on the beautiful Golfbaan Westwoud at the Westfriese Golf Club. Whoever wins the special ranking, which was introduced especially for the three tournaments, will receive a starting place at the KLM Open 2024 on the DP World Tour. And Frenchman Andoni Etchenique is a big step closer to this great opportunity thanks to an outstanding week in Westwoud.
"Always difficult when you're in front"
Etchenique went into the final round one stroke behind his two compatriots Louis Bonte and Antoine Auboin. The atmosphere in the all-French group was relaxed despite the tight battle. "It's always nice to play for victory with other Frenchmen," said Etchenique, who got off to a very good start to his round. The 24-year-old recorded six birdies in the first twelve holes. Even the interruption of rain in the meantime did not take him out of his rhythm. It was only when he saw that he led with a small cushion that nerves came into play.
"It was a stressful finish, but I played well. When I was leading, I played a little more confidently. But it's always difficult when you're ahead." After a bogey on 14, he couldn't afford any more mistakes as another Frenchman, Guichard, worked his way to the front and set the early best in the clubhouse at -16. Etchenique brought his slim one-stroke lead to the finish line with four pars and was delighted with his second title of the season.
The promotion is safe
After Zan Luka Stirn took the lead in the Order of Merit with his victory at the Stippelberg Open last week, Etchenique reclaimed the top position with his success at the Staan Open. A place in the top 5, and with it promotion to the Challenge Tour, is no longer to be taken away from the man from Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle. "It feels very good to have the Challenge Tour card for sure."
Etchenique is also number one in the Dutch Swing Ranking. The two-time Pro Golf Tour winner thus has the best chance of securing his place in the KLM Open field with a good result at the FaberExposize Gelpenberg Open (Aug. 31-Sept. 2). In any case, Etchenique seems to feel very comfortable in the Netherlands. "The atmosphere is great. There are a lot of spectators on the courses and it's very nice to see so many enthusiastic people."
