Just two weeks after taking on one of Europe's toughest tests, Romain Langasque will be facing one of the greatest challenges on the other side of the Atlantic as he makes his U.S. Open Championship debut at Winged Foot Golf Club.
The Frenchman finished nine over at Real Club Valderrama but that was still enough to earn him a top 20 finish at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters, and a similar score could bring a good result again this week at the season's second Major Championship.
The U.S. Open is always regarded as one of the greatest tests in golf, with an over par winner not a rare thing, and the last time it was staged over the West Course in 2006, Geoff Ogilvy finished five over to take home the trophy.
But Langasque knows a thing or two about a tough track, having won The Amateur Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links, and he is relishing taking on the test in New York.
Maybe the mental side and the spirit of the course is similar. You have to accept that you will bogey and try not to do double bogeys
"The course is incredible, it's very hard as the minute you miss the fairway it's almost impossible to hit the green and the greens are very twisted," said the 25-year-old, who claimed his first European Tour crown on the UK Swing at the ISPS HANDA Wales Open.
"If you are in the rough, you have to try and stay short of the green but it's very hard to control that. If you go past the flag, you can have some unplayable chips and putts on the way back.
"Valderrama has small greens, very firm and extremely quick. Winged Foot has very big greens which are extremely slopey and quick as well.
"Maybe the mental side and the spirit of the course is similar. You have to accept that you will bogey and try not to do double bogeys.
"Winged Foot is longer and requires driver to be hit off the tee.
"Valderrama has some under par rounds if there is no wind. Here, even with no wind, it's very, very hard."
Langasque is one of 15 players in the field this week who teed it up a fortnight ago in Sotogrande, a group that includes Valderrama runner-up Martin Kaymer - who is seeking a first victory since winning this event six years ago.
Justin Harding, Connor Syme, Sami Välimäki, Lee Westwood and Adrian Otaegui are all also playing this week after securing top 20s at the 1997 Ryder Cup venue.
