Bernd Wiesberger has confirmed he will defend his title in the 100th Open de France from June 30-July 3, but the big-hitting Austrian will have to overcome a world-class field – which includes Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Danny Willett – if he is to retain the trophy.
Ryder Cup stars Luke Donald, Victor Dubuisson, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood also stand in the way of Wiesberger’s hopes of emulating the feats of Graeme McDowell, who won back to back Open de France titles in 2013 and ‘14.
With France’s national Open celebrating its centenary this year, Wiesberger is hoping to put on a performance worthy of the landmark occasion at one of his favourite venues, Le Golf National.
Tickets to see Wiesberger, McIlroy and Willett in action in the 100th Open de France are available to buyhere.
Wiesberger said: “I’m obviously looking forward to the French Open, not just because I’m defending my title but also because it’s one of the biggest tournaments on The European Tour. Le Golf National is one of the best courses we play – it’s been one of my favourite courses since the first time I played it.
“It’s a good challenge but a very fair test, and I’ve heard good things about the recent changes that have been made to the course, so I’m excited about going back.”
Wiesberger’s excitement stems chiefly from his display over the weekend last year, when he shot rounds of 66-65 to claim his third European Tour title in superb style.
Victory came somewhat out of the blue for Wiesberger, with missed cuts in both the Lyoness Open and the US Open Championship not exactly hinting that a third European Tour title was just round the corner.
But after rebuilding some confidence with opening rounds of 68-72 in Versailles, Wiesberger exploded into life on days three and four to claim the biggest cheque of his career.
He recalled: “I played pretty well for the first two rounds and got myself near the top of the leaderboard, then had a great weekend. I actually probably hit the ball better on Saturday than Sunday, but converted a lot more chances in the final round – especially on the front nine.
“I really turned it round early on with a run of birdies, but knew that back nine can really hurt you so I couldn’t really relax until the last hole. I played steady, solid golf coming down the stretch, and it was a great feeling to walk up 18 knowing that the trophy was mine as long as I didn’t do anything stupid.
“Any win is special, but to win the French Open at Le Golf National was very special and I hope I can play well again this year.”
