Share

McIlroy, Willett headline at French Open

Paris - Rory McIlroy and Danny Willett will be the star attractions at this week's 100th French Open, but the pair will face some stiff competition from some of Europe's elite players.

Apart from the world number four and the current Masters champion, BMW PGA champion Chris Wood, Lee Westwood, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Martin Kaymer, Matt Fitzpatrick and defending champion Bernd Wiesberger will all tee off at Le Golf National on Thursday.

This week's tournament (June 20-July 3) might clash with the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, but since it will celebrate its centenary and will be played on the 2018 Ryder Cup course, the French Open has been given an elevated standing by the European Tour, with additional Ryder Cup points on offer.

The French Open was first contested at La Boulie in 1906 and is the oldest national tournament on continental Europe.

The tournament has been a fixture on the European Tour since 1972 and has been won by some of the greats of the game, including Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Colin Montgomerie.

Although the Le Golf National was designed on flat farmland in 1987 and was open for play three years later, the layout has been renovated in preparation for this year's event and the Ryder Cup in two years time.

The bunkering and lake edging has been improved and a new drainage and irrigation system has been installed.

Some rain has been predicted for Thursday (June 30), but the forecast for the remainder of the weekend looks fair.

Venue: Le Golf National, Paris, France
Date: June 30 - July 3
Course stats: par 71, 7,249 yards
Purse: €3,500,000
Defending Champion: Bernd Wiesberger (-13)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE