Ireland’s Peter Lawrie was left ruiing a marshal’s blunder on the final day of the French Open in Versailles.
Germany’s Marcel Siem ended an eight-year winless drought to capture the prestigious event on the National course.
Despite a bogey at the last, the pony-tailed Siem captured only his second Tour title courtesy of a closing round 67 to win by a stroke at eight under par
Exclusive photo of Peter Lawrie in discussion with an official after a French Open marshal indicated the Irishman's ball had found a water hazard when it didn not. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
Italy’s Francesco Molinari stormed home in 64 to grab second place while French crowds cheered on Raphael Jacquelin (69) who finished in third place on six under par.
Lawrie, who carded a last day 75 for an indifferent eight over par tally, was standing just off the opening fairway of the 2018 Ryder Cup host venue when a ball spotter informed him his tee shot had found a water hazard.
However the Dubliner was of the opinion his ball had travelled further right and missed the water.
But on the advice of the marshal Lawrie took a compulsory penalty drop but as would happen, he found his original ball but had to accept the eventual double bogey.
“It was one of the worst things that has happened to me on a golf course marshaling wise, “ said Lawrie.
“I didn’t see the ball go into the hazard, I thought I had hit it around 15 yards further to the right. but the marshal said it had.
“The thing is also he spoke good English and I asked twice whether he was sure and he insisted he was.
“So I took the drop then walked on about 20 yards and found my ball but I could do nothing about it. I called a referee but he said I had acted totally correct when I told him what had happened.
“But I was obviously disappointed because I knew that I needed a fast start to make progress in what is a big money tournament here this week.”
Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell shared the leading Irish honors in a share of 17th place and with Lowry carding a 70.
McDowell commenced his last round bogey, double bogey on route to a 72.
