DEFENDING CHAMPION GRAEME McDowell had a patchy round as he came home in one under par at the end of the first day of the French Open at Le Golf National near Versailles.
American Kevin Stadler lit up the first round as he fired a seven-under-par 64 to leave himself with a one-shot lead.
Former champion Marcel Siem of Germany was second after his round of 65, while Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher is a further shot back as blue skies and warm temperatures produced perfect conditions on the opening day of the oldest continental European tournament.
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McDowell hit birdies on holes two, 12 and 16, although bogeys on 13 and 14 held him back from further progress up the leaderboard.
Next best of the Irish was Damien McGrane, who was level par at the end of the round, while Peter Lawrie stands at one over par. Further down the field, Padraig Harrington is 3 over par, Kevin Phelan is five over, Simon Thornton six over and David Higgins eight over.
Stadler began to hit form as early as the second hole par-three when he sunk a 15-footer for birdie.
Another good putt at number three to move two under and further birdies at six, ten, 11, 12 and 14 set up the day’s outstanding round for the 34-year-old, who did not record a bogey.
That was one of my best rounds of the year for sure. Not making bogey was something I didn’t think possible in my practice rounds,” said a delighted Stadler.
“It’s one of my favourite courses and it’s spectacular. It was a great day and I’m happy to be over here, just came for a bit of fun but I definitely enjoyed the golf course from the get-go. It’s a wonderful place and I had a very good day.” he added.
McDowell six shots off sizzling Stadler's lead at French Open
DEFENDING CHAMPION GRAEME McDowell had a patchy round as he came home in one under par at the end of the first day of the French Open at Le Golf National near Versailles.
American Kevin Stadler lit up the first round as he fired a seven-under-par 64 to leave himself with a one-shot lead.
Former champion Marcel Siem of Germany was second after his round of 65, while Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher is a further shot back as blue skies and warm temperatures produced perfect conditions on the opening day of the oldest continental European tournament.
McDowell hit birdies on holes two, 12 and 16, although bogeys on 13 and 14 held him back from further progress up the leaderboard.
Next best of the Irish was Damien McGrane, who was level par at the end of the round, while Peter Lawrie stands at one over par. Further down the field, Padraig Harrington is 3 over par, Kevin Phelan is five over, Simon Thornton six over and David Higgins eight over.
Stadler began to hit form as early as the second hole par-three when he sunk a 15-footer for birdie.
Another good putt at number three to move two under and further birdies at six, ten, 11, 12 and 14 set up the day’s outstanding round for the 34-year-old, who did not record a bogey.
“It’s one of my favourite courses and it’s spectacular. It was a great day and I’m happy to be over here, just came for a bit of fun but I definitely enjoyed the golf course from the get-go. It’s a wonderful place and I had a very good day.” he added.
- © AFP, 2014
- Additional reporting by TheScore.ie
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Early Days french open Golf Graeme McDowell Irish Challenge Kevin Stadler