.. Le National GC, Versailles
It has been nearly one of the longest COVID related tournament defence waits in men’s professional.
There’s a large photograph of Belgium’s Nicolas Colsarets that’s proudly been on display since early July 2019 as you enter the famed Le National couse clubhouse on the outskirts of Versailles.
The photograph has remained in place as both the 2020 and 2021 edition of the oldest ‘Open’ championship title on the European continent was not staged since Colsaerts won by a shot in mid-2019.
Only the 2019 Hero Indian Open it would seem is longer on the DP World Tour in terms of not being played due to Covid, and that was in March that same year when Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher, and with son Jack on the bag, won the co-sanctioned DP World and Asian Tour title.
Large picture of 2019 French Open winner Nicolas Colsaerts on the wall in the clubhouse at Le National (Photo – TourMIss)
Now Colsarts, and with thanks to Gulf News the affable Dubai resident has spoken of his delight in finally returning to France to proudly defend his title.
“It is always nice to return to familiar golf clubs, venues and surroundings where you have played well before, especially, if you have won on your last visit.
“I won this event in 2019, the last time the French Open was played at this week’s same venue at Le Golf National in Paris, it has had a two year sabbatical due to COVID-19.
“I took the first prize of €266,660 with a 12 under par score for 72 holes, with rounds of 67, 66, 67 and 72.
“Not only have I won and done well here, they have also acknowledged my victory with my huge face all over the city, it is great to be a ‘Poster Boy’ again and get some attention – it has been a while.
This week’s defending champion @Coelsss sealing victory in 2019, ending a seven-year winless run.#TourArchive | #CazooOpenDeFrance pic.twitter.com/ZwvD9a3bcQ
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 20, 2022
“The French Open has a lot of history with this week being the 104th edition of this, the oldest continent of Europe’s national Open and has been part of the DP World Tour since its inception in 1972.
“My 2019 victory was a strange week, as I was struggling with my game, and it enabled me to retain my card. Things can change very quickly in this game, hopefully for me in a positive way.
Many friends
“The credit for my win, in my opinion, was that I attended The Ryder Cup in 2018 and realized there were birdies out there and saw the golf course layout with a different perspective.
“I have so many friends around Paris and I am looking forward to seeing them this week as well as some Belgium golf fans coming over the border, it is not miles away.
“It is a strong field including the following top players: Patrick Reed, Thomas Pieters, last week’s winner in Italy Robert MacIntyre, fellow Dubai resident Adrian Meronk, and the iron man on Tour Ryan Fox.
“It is an important week for me and all the players in this part of the season.
“I am fortunate to have my wife, Rachel, with me in Paris all this week.
“It is Pro-Am Day tomorrow and my final look at the golf course and some range work to be ready for Thursday when the tournament starts.
– Nicolas Colsaerts, 39 years-old is a Dubai Golden VISA Awardee. He is a three time tournament winner on the DP World, a member of Team Europe in The 2012 Ryder Team in Medinah and is an Ambassador for Aviv Clinics, Dubai.
