World No. 5 Matt Kuchar has enjoyed spending three days walking the streets of Paris and he’s now hoping to find the shortest route to victory in this week’s French Open near Versailles.
Kuchar, who turned 35 late last month, is in France for the first time in his career and with organisers putting the Florida-born golfer up against former event winner, Martin Kaymer and fellow leading European, Miguel Angel Jimenez for the opening two rounds.
“It’s my first time here in France with my wife and family flying over on Friday and arriving on Saturday,” he said.
American and World No. 5 Matt Kurchar competing for a first time in his career in France. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)
“This is an event I have discussed with my agent for the past couple of years but it was all a case of finding the time to make it over here.
“But it’s been one of those tournaments I saw on the horizon as a place I always wanted to visit. I haven’t been to France before but I don’t know anybody who doesn’t romanticise about going to Paris.
“So for the opportunity to come, to experience France, to experience Paris is something I always wanted to do.
“Of course, it’s less romantic with the children (smiling) but we’ve brought a helper, a nanny, to look after them. We’ve already had a fantastic few days, and we’ve had the ability to just walk hand-in-hand along the streets of Paris just doing things that we all like.”
This week’s host Le National course will play host to the 2018 Ryder Cup and while Kuchar will be seeking a third success this year after capturing the WGC – Accenture Match-Play Championship and the recent Jack Nicklaus hosted Memorial, Kuchar is already thinking ahead to the July 18th commencing British Open and a hopeful first Major Championship success.
“I’ve talked to a lot of players about the golf course here and they say it’s one of the best courses they play all year, so there was a lot of things said that finally made me come over and play the tournament,” he added.
“So to come over here and play this event and tie it in with the British Open as well should work out well, as I am having a week off between this event and the British Open.
“I am taking the family down to the south of France next week for a little vacation and then I will head to Scotland and begin preparations for the British Open.”
And while Kuchar sets his sights on a maiden Major, England’s Luke Donald is hoping to draw on the inspiration of witnessing close friends Adam Scott and Justin Rose capture the first two Majors of the season.
“You always walk away disappointed when you have a chance, but at the same time, I left with a lot of encouragement,” said the current World No. 3 ranked Donald.
“I felt similar to Adam (Scott) last year in The Open, and while I wasnleading with four holes to play, Merion was the first time I put myself in a position at the US Open to contend.
“There was certainly a lot of benefits, and seeing Adam with at Augusta, seeing Justinn win at the US Open, guys that have had a similar career path to me in terms of winning a World Golf Championship or two and winning a bunch of tournaments on their resume.
“So it gives me certainly hope that my turn is coming soon.”
