Senior Kentucky men’s golfer Lukas Euler capitalized on a stellar junior campaign by continuing his strong play into the summer months. Euler captured the 2018 Dutch Amateur on Sunday in dramatic fashion by winning in a playoff.
Euler’s win automatically qualifies him for the KLM Open on the European Tour Sept. 13-16. The KLM Open is an annual event played in the Netherlands. It’s been a part of the European Tour since its inception in 1972.
The Dieburg, Germany, native was one of UK’s most consistent players during one of its best seasons in program history a year ago. Euler posted eight top-20 finishes, including a pair of runner-up finishes. He carded a career-low 72.25 stroke average and 21 par-or-better rounds on the season.
Euler opened the Dutch Amateur with a 1-under 71 to begin the week. His opening round featured birdies on back-to-back holes to conclude the round. He made his move on day two with a 6-under-par 66. An eagle at the par-five fourth jumpstarted his round and birdies followed at No. 6 and No. 8. He played the back nine at 3-under par to move into contention.
Euler fought through adversity in round three where he shot a 2-over 74. Needing a low score on the final day of play, UK’s senior did exactly that. He posted a 3-under 69 to force a playoff. Birdies on the opening two holes got his round going in the right direction. He played the front nine at 3-under par and was even par over the final nine holes.
He won the tournament on the playoff hole by making par at the par-four 10th. He finished the tournament at 8-under par.
Euler is the second Wildcat to claim a championship during the summer in dramatic fashion. Fadhli Soetarso captured the 104th Kentucky State Amateur in June after sinking a 40-foot putt to force a playoff.
The Wildcats will kick off their 2018-19 campaign at the Louisville Cardinal Challenge Sept. 14-16.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s golf team, follow @UKMensGolf on Twitter and on the web at UKathletics.com.
