Graeme McDowell created a career first and heads into next week’s British Open in the best possible manner after virtually being handed on plate a successful defence of the French Open in Versailles.
It is McDowell’s 13th pro career success around the globe but also the first occasion in McDowell’s professional career he’s retained a title
McDowell was eight shots behind American Kevin Stadler heading to the final round on the 2018 Ryder Cup host venue before ending-up carding a final round 67 just as he had done a year ago.
It saw McDowell head to the scorer’s hut on five under par and then one shot ahead of American Craig Stadler, and son of 1982 Masters Champion Craig Stadler, who had led for the opening three rounds.
With his father, Kenny beside him McDowell was glued to TV coverage and watching anxiously as Stadler needed a par at the last to send the event into extra time.
However when Stadler found the 18th green in regulation and putted up to just three feet McDowell left heading for the practice putting green believing he would be in fourth European Tour play-off.
However no sooner had McDowell walked onto the practice putting green and word came through Stalder had made a mess of his final putt and didn’t even manage to hit the hole in taking a bogey in a final round of 76 to lose out to McDowell by a stroke.#
Graeme McDowell plants a kiss on the French Open trophy for a second year running. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)
McDowell was naturally gob-smacked in realizing he had retained the French Open title and creating career history in doing so.
But then the Northern Irishman displayed all the traits that makes him such a popular player in remarking about Stadler’s unfortunate demise.
“It’s not really the way you want to win but we’ll take it,” he said.
“But I am very surprised as I have to say midway through my second glass of red wine last night I was very disappointed with my back nine effort on Saturday, so I didn’t think I would first be maybe in a play-off and second standing here now again holding the trophy.
“I feel very fortunate as Kevin Stadler is a great, great player.
“When I left the room having given him that short putt and really didn’t expect to see him miss that. It’s really not the way you like to win but I will take it and run.
