Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell will have to create a piece of personal history to retain the Alstom Open de France title at Le Golf National in Paris this week.
McDowell has never successfully defended a tournament and all nine of his European Tour victories have come in different countries, namely Sweden, Italy, Korea, Scotland, Wales, the United States, Spain, Bulgaria and France.
The 34-year-old was disappointed not to add Ireland to that list after going into the final round of the Irish Open last month just two shots off the lead, although his share of sixth place was his best finish in 13 appearances in the event.
“It was really from the US Open onwards that I really felt like my game was ticking along nicely,” said McDowell at Le Golf National, site of the 2018 Ryder Cup.
“I was inevitably a little bit disappointed with my performance on the weekend [in Ireland], on the greens especially, but I took the positives away from the week. I hit the ball as well as I have this season tee-to-green and put myself in a position to win.
"Being the defending champion gives you a nice little buzz . . . and I'm looking forward to my pairing this week with Victor [Dubuisson] and the US Open Champion, Martin Kaymer, who is in some amazing form at the minute.
“I’m feeling good and ready for an exciting summer. I feel like I’m in a good space myself and looking forward to it. I had four or five nice days off last week, I’ve really made a sort of decision this year to pace myself for the summer.
“I felt like the last three or four years, come August, I’ve been pretty tired. I haven’t been mentally and physically ready for the FedEx play-offs and into the early part of the autumn with the Ryder Cup.
“Even looking back to Medinah, I didn’t feel like I was physically on top of my game that weekend [he won just one point from four matches], and I really didn’t play as well as I’d like to.
“It’s really been a conscious decision since then to try and have myself in peak condition come July, August, September.”
Kaymer won the French Open back in 2009, but missed the cut in his native Germany last week in his first appearance since claiming his second Major title at Pinehurst.
“I just didn’t play as good. It’s that simple,” said the 29-year-old said. “To play in your home country is very, very difficult and I think for a lot of French players this week as well, there are so many expectations from all the people.”
The good news for Kaymer is that he has been given an early tee time for the second round on Friday, meaning he should be finished in plenty of time to watch the World Cup quarter-final between Germany and France.
“When I saw the tee times, 1.20pm tomorrow and then early on Friday, I was very glad. I like to think that they did it on purpose so I could watch the game,” added Kaymer.
French Open: The Lowdown Irish in action: (10) Graeme McDowell, Pádraig Harrington, Michael Hoey, Simon Thornton, Damien McGrane, Gareth Maybin, Peter Lawrie, Paul McGinley, Kevin Phelan and David Higgins. On TV: Sky Sports 4 from 9.30am. Time difference: France one hour ahead of Irish time. Prize money: €3 million (€500,000 to the winner). Course overview: The course opened in 1990 and is a stern test as fairways are rolling while the rough is verdant and penal. Water hazards are located strategically to punish the errant. Greens are expansive and fast with numerous of sharp slopes – meaning lag putting from distance is challenging.
The 213 yard par-three second hole and four par-fours stretching to at least 470 yards (fourth, seventh, 17th and 18th) present the hardest ask of players. Only three par-fives offer relief but the last is 607 yards. Weather forecast: Sunshine and light breezes for the majority of the event. Player suited to course: Le Golf National is an extremely tough course capable of exposing any chink in a player's armour. Accuracy from tee to green is a pre-requisite for success – any deviation punishable by a watery end. Consequently, straight hitters are worth supporting. Key Attribute: Accuracy
