Havret happy to fly under the radar

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June 21, 2010

Frenchman Gregory Havret says he was happy to be the “unknown” contender at the 110th US Open at Pebble Beach.

Gregory Havret outplayed Tiger Woods on the last day at Pebble Beach to claim second place – but was happy to be the “unknown” contender at the 110th US Open.
The Frenchman, on his US Open debut, had been paired with world number one Woods in the penultimate group, ahead of overnight leader Dustin Johnson and eventual champion Graeme McDowell, but was so under the radar at the second major of the year that his name was even left off the on-course scoreboard as he set out from the first tee.
It all ended sweetly for Havret, though, as he won his duel with the 14-time major winner by three strokes, carding a one-over-par 72 to Woods’ 75, and picked up the US dollars 810,000 second prize after finishing a shot behind McDowell at one over par.
“I know I’m coming from a little bit far (out),” Havret said. “I know I’m playing number one in the world and I’m coming a little bit from nowhere.
“Even for me it’s not such a big surprise (to be left off the scoreboard). These kind of things can happen. I don’t take it badly.”
Nor was the Frenchman, who qualified for the US Open by sinking a 50-foot putt at the Walton Heath qualifier, surprised to be holding his own against the best players in the world.
A three-time European Tour winner, his biggest win came at the 2007 Barclays Scottish Open when he defeated Phil Mickelson, then the world number three, in a play-off.
“When I’m playing with them it means I’m playing good,” Havret said of Mickelson and Woods.
“I was paired with Phil in the last round at Loch Lomond. Obviously I had three beautiful days before.
“I’m pairing with Tiger here. Obviously three very good days before and both times I was very much into the feeling that I had just to continue the thing and do the job like I did for three days.
“Both times I thought exactly the same, that I’ve got to get the job done.”
Havret could not quite reel in McDowell to win the US Open, but he was a gracious runner-up, happy that a European had broken the 40-year drought in the event since Tony Jacklin won in 1970.
“I’m very happy for Graeme, it breaks 40 years of (dashed) hopes for Europeans,” he said.
“I came second, I’m quite happy too, so it’s very exciting.”

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