Day one digest: 2021 Dutch Open

Everything you need to know from the opening day at Bernardus Golf.

Niall hit the front, Max was looking to maintain momentum, Thomas had a hot putter and a pair of Ryder Cup stars were putting on a show on day one of the 2021 Dutch Open.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday in Cromvoirt.

Kearney leads the way

Niall Kearney does not have a card and is battling at 128th in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex but the Irishman is making a big impression in 2021. He carded a 61 en route to his maiden top ten at the Canary Islands Championship and then secured another high finish at the Hero Open. A 25 foot putt on the last handed him a 65, a seven under total and a one shot lead on day one in the Netherlands. "This year has been positive for me," he said. "I have had a lot of good finishes and put myself in the right spaces and I have grown in confidence from it. I am starting to feel a bit more comfortable which is great."

Kieffer eyeing Dubai debut

Maximilian Kieffer finished second in back to back weeks in April and he is looking to bring some of that form to the closing stretch of the season. Currently 48th in the Rankings, he is aiming for a place at the season ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai and an opening 66 here did his cause no harm at all. "I have my eye on the top 50 to get to Dubai," he said. "I am inside that now but I have to play good golf over the next couple of weeks, so that is definitely the goal."

Detry from downtown

Thomas Detry had his putting boots on on Thursday.

Anything you can do.....

Detry from 35 feet - Renato Paratore from 36.

Magic hands

Two Ryder Cuppers were displaying their short game skills. First Graeme McDowell.

And then Thomas Pieters.