II Norwegian Open

12/05/2019

II Norwegian Open

Two stroke win for Bernt Kristian Nerland

The 2019 Norwegian Open was played at the Bryne Kro course from May 11th/12th. Bernt Kristian Nerland (Norway) led from start to finish and won with a six under par aggregate of 156 for the 54 holes. Bernt Kristian came under a little bit of pressure on Sunday but his final round of 56 gave him two strokes to spare over Norway's Jan Vingen, who scored 50 in the final round for his 158 tally. Helge Eggja, who represented Norway at the 2016 World Cup in Andorra, carded a best of the day 49 on Sunday to jump up into third place on 159.

Final scores here

Bernt Kristian Nerland held a six stroke overnight lead having posted a second round of 51 on Saturday afternoon. Bernt Kristian sat on eight under par 100 for 36 holes. Ronny Ponny Einarson (Norway) was in second place on 106 after a 51 second round. Frank Kristiansen (Norway) was the only other player under par following his 54+53 tally. Sunday Pairings and tee times here

Bernt Kristian Nerland carded a superb opening round of five under par 49 to lead by three strokes. Jan Vingen and compatriot Alf Inge Reime were both on 52.

Saturday Tee times here.

The pre-tournament Scramble at the Norwegian Open went to a sudden death play-off. Winning team on -15 was Arne Strandenes, Helge Eggja, Tommy Madsen and Gøran Steinhovden. Arne Strandenes kept his nerves under control and holed a fine putt for the win on the 2nd play-off hole. Runners up also on -15 were Frank Kristansen, Espen Bergman Arild Rosseland and Lars Andreas Aadnesen.

Here's a detailed course description by Bernt Kristian Nerland, local player and former Norwegian champion.

The first hole measures 26 metres and is a simple hole, but with a slope to the right in the front and a hard green it is not easy to get the ball to stop on the green. Furthermore, holes 2 and 3 are quite straightforward if you just land the ball on the right side of the hole. No. 4 is a tricky little hole as there is water in front of the green. The green is just over the slope, so you can face some problems.

Hole 5 is blind but it is a pretty good hole to score well on. Hole 6 is a monster of a hole. The evil 6th! The hole is located on a plateau 4-5 metres above the tee and with a small and hard green. A good pitch will get the ball to stop on the green, but if you are too aggressive and miss the green you will need your wedge and face a long chip (maybe 10-15 metres) back up to the green again. There are many good players who have left this green with a high scores. It is also difficult to read the green's undulations.

Hole 7 is a nice Pitch and Putt hole. You pitch down to a clear, multi-level plateau green. With mounds in front and water hazards behind, you will still need to be precise.. Hole 8 is easy enough, but here’s a ‘caddie’ tip. “Stay right and do not leave it short.” The 9th is the longest hole at 60 metres and is played down to a blind green. The green has two plateaux and the pitch needs to be struck with a little stop on the ball, otherwise it might take off and roll far into the water hazard at the back right of the green.

See the attachment below for full details and the event poster.

Link to competition: Norwegian Open.