Scotland’s Richie Ramsay battled his way through the pain barrier in carding a two under par 69 on the first day of the French Open in Versailles.
Ramsay was in doubt for the prestigious French event and struggling with a nagging hamstring injury that he traced back to playing an akward shot during the final round of last week’s Irish Open.
Scotland's Richie Ramsay battles his way through the pain barrier on day one of the French Open. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
He arrived in France and there was no concern when his team won Tuesday’s Pro-Am.
But the next morning Ramsay was in so much pain he could hit a shot and his French Open practice was restricted to chipping and putting.
However after intense physio treatment on the eve of the event and then in the hours before his afternoon tee time and the Aberdonian was fit enough to take his place on the 2018 Ryder Cup host venue.
Ramsay said: “The hamstring felt a lot better and I have to thank the guyts in the physio van as they did a great job.
“I gave a really good stretch before teeing up and there was hardly any pain.”
Ramsay was three under par after six holes but proceeded to drop three shots with a bogey at his eighth or the 17th of the course before finding water at his ninth in taking a double when finding the water guarding the green with a 7-iron.
However the World No. 97 then regrouped with birdies at his 11th and 14th holes.
He said: “The National is one of the best courses we play on tour because its so tough.
“But I like it as you have to keep the ball on the fairways because if you miss them by as little as three yards out you are in trouble.
“I should probably have taken more club at 18th or my ninth or aimed the shot a bit further to the left of the flag, but I was pleased with the way I went on to play in the second half of the round.”
Ramsay heads the Tartan contingent with Bathgate’s Stephen Gallacher and Borders David Drysdale posting 71s.
Sweden’s Christian Nilsson heads the Euro 3.15m event by a stroke in carding a six under par 66.
Three players, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, England’s Gary Boyd and Italian teenager, Matteo Manassero are next best in shooting 67s.
Biggest disappointment was England’s Paul Broadhurst who is last place in carding an 82 and just three days after qualifying for next fortnight’s Open Championship.
