McDowell storms to French Open win
Graeme McDowell carded a final round 67 to claim a one-shot win victory at the French Open on Sunday.
On a day that most players found it difficult to score low at a wet and windy Le Golf National, the defending champion produced a thrilling eight-shot turnaround to finish one stroke ahead of Thongchai Jaidee (72) and Kevin Stadler (76).
Overnight leader Stadler had an opportunity to force a play-off, but missed his two-foot par putt on the final hole.
Stadler started the final round with a four stroke advantage, but was pegged back after nothing 41 on the front nine.
Although the American came back into contention with two birdies later in the round, he was unable to keep up with the in-form McDowell, who clinched his 10th European title.
Sweden’s Robert Karlsson (69) was a shot further back in fourth on three-under, while Jamie Donaldson (69) and Matthew Baldwin (71) were in a tie for fifth on two-under.
The only other player to finish the 72-holes under par was McDowell’s Northern Irish countryman, who carded a 71 to finish in seventh place on one-under.
“I’m very surprised,” McDowell told the European Tour’s official website.
“Midway through my second glass of red wine last night, when I was very disappointed with my back-nine performance on Saturday, I really didn’t think I’d be a) standing here with an opportunity to be in a play-off and b) with a trophy in my hands.
“I feel very fortunate. Kevin Stadler is a great, great player. I literally gave him that putt on the last green. I didn’t expect him to miss that.
“It’s not really the way you like to win. I was ready to go for the play-off, but I’ll take it and run. I really needed this victory. It’s a special one for me. It’s pretty timely. There’s a busy summer ahead and this a really good kick-start to the summer.”
Latest
-
NewsSteve Stricker makes Padraig Harrington sweat as Irishman wins US Senior Open
The pair were rival captains in last year’s Ryder Cup in Wisconsin.
-
NewsGolfers warned of further sanctions if they continue to play in LIV breakaway
The DP World Tour has issued fines of £100,000 and tournament bans to its members who played in the inaugural LIV Golf event earlier this month
-
European TourDP World Tour hits members who played inaugural LIV series with £100,000 fines
They have also been banned from several forthcoming tournaments including the Scottish Open.
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.
-
US OpenGary Player urges Matt Fitzpatrick to avoid ‘poison’ of modern-day coaching
Player tells US Open champion Fitzpatrick to learn from mistakes of recent major winners, saying: “The teaching today is the worst it has ever been.”
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster ready for ‘long party’ after US Open win
Foster won his first major after a 40-year career which includes spells working for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick backed to become a dominant force after winning first major
The Englishman claimed his first major title at Brookline.