The talk of the first day at the KLM Open was about none other than 100-year-old Susan Hosang.
Hosang only took up the sport 30 years ago - at the tender age of 70 - but she went head to head against some of the European Tour’s top professionals in Beat The Pro, which is taking place in a special week at The International.
The KLM Open is hosting its 100th edition of the tournament, dating back to 1912, which coincides with event sponsor KLM - the Dutch airline - celebrating their centenary year in business. And to continue the theme, Hosang was asked to participate in the unique event at the 13th hole.
Beat the Pro! is a challenge where an amateur golfer can win flights courtesy of KLM to a destination of their choice, if they land their tee shot on the green and closest to the pin against the professionals.
The Hilversum native - which is situated 35 kilometres from Amsterdam - had the honour of facing the marquee afternoon group, consisting of 2016 Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters, 2017 Masters Tournament champion Patrick Reed and four time European Tour winner Matt Wallace.
After the leading trio played their tee shots in the 116 yard par three, they had to wait for the sprightly Dutchwoman - who skipped to the tee in preparation.
However, the 100-year-old gained the biggest cheer of the day despite sending her driver into the rough on the right, proving it is never too late to pick up a golf club.
Reed said after his round: “Just to see her out there being able to swing and to have the energy she had to walk up the entire hole.
“Honestly, it wasn’t that bad of a golf swing and it is one of the fun things they have done here on the European Tour at this event and hopefully she can continue playing golf.”
Pieters said: “She didn’t look like she was 100, I’ll give her that.“She looked like she was 75 or 80, so wonderful for her age and she was walking fast to the green. I think she beat me almost, so she did very well.”
