They say never meet your heroes, but that’s exactly what nine year old Philip van Oosten did yesterday when an opportune selfie with two-time KLM Open champion Joost Luiten turned into his hero caddying for him in the Beat the Pro competition.
Young Philip had entered the amateur versus professional contest – which has been a favourite of players and fans alike since it was introduced at the KLM Open two years ago – thinking he was taking on the prestigious trio of Angel Cabrera, Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño and Alvaro Quiros on the 14th hole at The Dutch.
Before his attempt at the 133-yard par three, the schoolboy spotted the six-time European Tour winner in the crowd and too his delight Luiten stopped to not only pose for a picture with him, but then donned a caddie bib before carrying his bag up the fairway for him.
Philip went on to delight both the home crowd – and his superstar caddie – by finding the green with his tee shot. Although he was unable to beat the pros on this occasion, it was a day that will live long in the memory for Philip.
“It’s such a great initiative and it’s really cool to be supporting the event despite being injured,” said Luiten. “To see the look on little Philip’s face was very special and he is clearly a promising player.”
Luiten who won the KLM Open at the Dutch in 2016 is recovering from wrist surgery and looks set to return to competitive golf next month.
