They say Paris is the romantic capital of the world and American Brendan Steele, who has been lured back once again by the charms of the Alstom Open de France, would wholeheartedly agree.
The 32 year old US PGA Tour player is in contention at Le Golf National in Versailles following a third round 67, and is hoping to better the tied seventh place he achieved in both 2011 and 2012.
Steele clearly knows how to tame and enjoy the notoriously tough Albatros course, but it is not just the golf that attracts the Californian and his wife to the tournament.
“I love it over here,” he said. “This is always a treat for me. I try to get off to a good start in the States so I can make sure to make this trip. This is my third time here now, and I try to make it an every year thing.
“My wife's been really taking more advantage of it than I have because I've been out here working most of the time. But we've had many walks around Versailles and gone out to get breakfast and just enjoy the culture and see what's around here.
“We're going to stay a few extra days and stay in Paris and do the tourist thing and sightsee a little bit. I'm really looking forward to that.”
Steele admitted he has tried to tempt his fellow countrymen to follow him to Le Golf National, which will host The Ryder Cup in 2018.
“It's good Ryder Cup prep for me, and good Ryder Cup prep for all the Americans, just to get over here and see it,” he continued. “And it's just a fun week.
“I love the French culture.
Brendan Steele
"The people out here have been fantastic, very warm, encouraging, and it's just great for me all round.”
Steele will begin the final round five shots off the lead, and as well as having a shot at the title, he is also aiming to claim one of the three qualifying spots available for The Open Championship.
“There’s a lot on the line for me,” he said. “I'd love to get in The Open, and just any time you can have a chance to get a win, that's always important. So it’s going to be very exciting and I’ll be ready to get after it.”
