It seemed innocent at the time but Thomas Levet’s French Open victory leap into the water beside the 18th green could cost him a place in next week’s Open Championship.

New Frence Open winner Thomas Levet a second away from breaking a bone in his shin that could rule him out of British Open. (Photo - European Tour).

Levet, who won the French Open for a first time, has pulled out of this week’s Barclay’s Scottish Open after suffering a small fracture to his shin.

The injury resulted in the Parisian having to have the leg put in a plaster cast.

Levet ended a two-year winless drought to win on the 2018 Ryder Cup host venue is set to undergo intensive treatment in a rush to be fit to take his place in the Royal St. George’s field

The injury sours marvellous celebrations on Sunday on the National course with French golf fans wildly cheering Levet onto success.

Jumping in the water around the island 18th green has become part of the tradition for the winner including Jean Francois Remesy, winner of the event back-to-back in 2004 and 2005.Then in 2008, Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal dived headlong into the murky depths after defeating Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood.

Levet is understood to be consulting a specialist again later this week before making a decision about whether to cross The Channel for the 140th Open Championship.

The affable Frenchman made his Open Championship debut in 1998 at Royal Birkdale and was involved in memorable play-off in 2002 at Muirfield before losing out to South African Ernie Els.

Levet had qualified for this year’s Open last month at an International qualifier at Sunningdale.

Thomas Levet soaked in champers. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)