Lee Westwood hopes to add his name to the list of greats to have won the Alstom Open de France this week.
The World Number Three from England first played the event in 1994, but despite some impressive showings over the years he is yet to emerge victorious from Le Golf National in Paris.
“It would mean something special because of the history of the tournament,” said the 39 year old. “It's a very old National Championship and it's a prestigious title to win. There's some great names have won it, so it would mean a lot to get my name on that trophy.
“I'm looking forward to it. I had a chance to win in 2009, when Martin Kaymer won in a play-off over me.
“One of my best ever results when I came on Tour was here; I finished fourth in 1994 to Mark Roe. That was the first time I played this golf course and I've enjoyed playing it ever since.”
Westwood’s last appearance on European soil saw him run out a five shot winner at the Nordea Masters, and he was in the hunt for a first Major at the US Open until losing his ball in a tree at the sixth.
“I played well at the US Open,” he added. “I got a bit unlucky the last day, but other than that I played solidly.
“So I’m looking forward to this week and then The Open Championship in a couple of week's time.
“It's a good test; difficult, a lot of thick rough which brings on my hayfever!
“It's quite tight, and it's good because you get penalised for hitting bad shots. Everybody talks about 15, 16, 17, 18 - a tough test when the pressure is on.
“It looks a very strong field, good quality. I think everybody respects this golf course, and knows that it is a big title to win.”
