Italy’s Guido Migliozzi won the French Open by a single shot after making a stunning birdie at the final hole courtesy of a majestic high-risk approach to the the 18th green at Le Golf National in Paris.
The 25-year-old was in supreme form all day the 2018 Ryder Cup venue, making nine birdies – including a run of five in succession from the sixth – without a single dropped shot. He saved the best until last when, tied for the lead and staring down an 18th hole, Migliozzi cut a courageous faded five-iron into the famous final green which came within inches of finding the cup for an incredible eagle two. He knocked in the five-foot putt for the first of only two birdies at the final hole all day, equalling the course record of 62 for a 16 under total.
Rasmus Højgaard, who had led the tournament after each of the opening three rounds – and was six shots clear after 36 holes – finished a shot back on 15 under par after a three-under 68, while Paul Barjon finished the highest Frenchman as he shared third place with Thomas Pieters and George Coetzee on 11 under.
Migliozzi, whose previous to Tour wins came in 2019, said: “It’s been a long, long road to get here from those wins three years ago. I played very solid last year and went very close to a win, so I came into this season with lots of high expectations. But it has been tough and I’ve not be playing great. Then I started to practice in another way, I’ve worked really hard, and here I am now holding a trophy. The second shot at 18 was incredible. My caddie was not happy, as it was not the safe play, but I felt that it was worth a try and luckily for me, it paid off.”
He added: “My main goal for the next year is to qualify for the Ryder Cup in Rome. To present Europe in my home country would be a dream, so we’ll keep pushing on.”
Højgaard, whose big 36-hole lead was wiped out by a costly quintuple bogey on the par-three second hole on Saturday, said: “Obviously there’s a lot of good stuff out there. it was a few silly mistakes over the last two days that cost me the win this week, but I’m happy with where my golf is heading towards. I’m striking the ball well and I’m putting nice. I just have to take the positives from this week. It obviously stings a little bit at the moment, but later tonight I’ll be looking back and I’ve got a lot to be proud of, especially after what happened yesterday.”
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