Le Golf National is widely regarded as boasting one of the most difficult closing stretches in world golf, so you’d think playing it in practice might be beneficial on your first visit. But not for Joe Dean.
Water is in play on three of the final four holes over the Albatros Course on the outskirts of Paris, with the closing par-four 18th often finishing among the toughest holes on the DP World Tour in recent seasons.
Heavy rain during Wednesday’s practice day meant the Englishman walked onto the tenth tee for his opening round at the FedEx Open de France – continental Europe’s oldest national open – having never set eye on the back nine. Yet, Dean walked off the course in a share of the clubhouse lead after a bogey-free six-under 65.
It was the latest reminder of just how much ability the 30-year-old Englishman possesses.
But in keeping with the laidback character of Dean, he was quick to downplay his performance.
"We played the Pro-Am yesterday morning. Got very wet to say the least," he reflected.
"We sort of sat down at dinner and just looked through the book and most of the tee shots...
"It wasn't too much to just rock up this morning and sort of go from there. The ball is not really bouncing anywhere. Wherever it lands, it's going to stay.
"Nothing too special. Just another day of golf."
In his rookie season on the DP World Tour, the Qualifying School graduate has been a revelation.
After the financial demands of life on tour meant he did not make his first start until the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in February, he has gone on to record five top ten finishes, including two as a runner-up.
All this having worked as a delivery driver for Morrisons as recently as earlier this year. But that’s in the past, and Dean has long since been able to focus in on what makes him excel on the course – including not heading to the range before his rounds.
So, what was the key to his fast start in France?
"Good, stress-free golf," he said. "Tried keeping it in the fairways. The rough is quite juicy out there. So fairway golf is pretty key.
"Just hit it in the fairway to be able to control the ball. It's been great. Hopefully another three days of that and we'll see what happens."
