World No. 3 Lee Westwood plunged 30 places after a nightmare start to his round on day three of the French Open.

Westwood commenced his round on level par but then proceeded to play his opening six holes in seven over par after taking a double at the first and then adding five straight bogeys on the National course.

Lee Westwood not enjoying a good week in Paris. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www,golffile.ie)

The Englishman then pared the next six holes before adding birdies at 13 and the last in an eventual round of 76 for a 54-hole tally of five over par.

It continued an indifferent French Open for Westwood ahead of next fortnight’s Open Championship.

On day one Westwood played his outward nine in four under but the back nine in three over that included two bogeys and a double bogey.

On day two he commenced from the 10th tee and played his outward half also in three over par with a double bogey and three bogeys while his inward nine was played in one under par.

Now on day three, Westwood was out in seven over par but came home in two under.

Westwood has played all four rounds of the event in nine prior appearances in the French capital.

His 76 today is just one shot fewer than Westwood’s previous poorest round of 77 posted on day three in 1995 and then on the last day of the 2007 event.