Francesco Molinari will return to the site of his famous Ryder Cup heroics when he tees it up at Le Golf National in this year’s FedEx Open de France.
• Italian Ryder Cup star to return to the Albatros Course at Le Golf National
• Joined in the field by France’s most recent DP World Tour winners, David Ravetto and Frederic Lacroix
• Billy Horschel, Romain Langasque and Thorbjørn Olesen also confirmed for FedEx Open de France
The Italian became the only European player in history to win five points from five matches in the modern era at the 2018 Ryder Cup, helping his side defeat the United States 17 ½ to 10 ½ in golf’s greatest team contest. His stunning performance at the Ryder Cup came just months after becoming the first Italian Major Champion at The 147th Open at Carnoustie.
It will be the six-time DP World Tour winner’s first appearance on the Albatros Course since his Ryder Cup exploits, which took place the same year he became the first Italian to win the Race to Dubai.
“I’m very excited to return to Le Golf National for the FedEx Open de France,” said Molinari. “The memories that we made during that special week six years ago will last a lifetime and it’ll be nice to reminisce when we return to Paris later this year.”
Joining Molinari at Le Golf National will be France’s most recent DP World Tour winners David Ravetto and Frederic Lacroix. The pair claimed their maiden titles in back-to-back weeks, with Ravetto winning the D+D REAL Czech Masters last month, followed seven days later by Lacroix at the Danish Golf Championship.
“It’s great that I’ll have the chance to play at home so soon after winning in the Czech Republic,” said Ravetto. “It will be very special to play in front of so many friends, family and spectators and celebrate my success with them.
“I’ve only played in a couple of French opens in the past, but they have been really enjoyable experiences. The crowds were fantastic and I’m looking forward to playing in front of them again.”
Lacroix added: “It was such an incredible moment winning my first DP World Tour title and even more special to do so just a week after one of my close friends on Tour. I’m really excited to play in France again next month and I’ll give it my all in front of the home crowds.”
Joining them will be compatriot Romain Langasque, runner-up to Lacroix in Denmark, and the pair of Victor Perez, who finished fourth when Le Golf National hosted the Olympic golf competition last month, and PGA TOUR Winner Matthieu Pavon in the field.
Currently 16th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, Langasque, who won the 2015 Amateur Championship, has his sights on finishing the season strongly and earning dual membership of the PGA TOUR for 2025.
“I’m looking forward to playing on home soil again later this year,” said the 29-year-old. “We always get fantastic support from the home fans and it’s shaping up to be a great event.”
Thorbjørn Olesen, Molinari’s teammate at the 2018 Ryder Cup, is also confirmed for this year’s event. Olesen ended his Ryder Cup week on a high as he defeated Jordan Spieth 5&4 in the Sunday Singles, contributing to Europe’s 17½ - 10½ victory.
“It was such a special week being on that Ryder Cup team and it’s always nice when we go back to Le Golf National,” said Olesen. “It’s such a good test of golf and we’ve seen so many great moments over the years on that course.”
The 2014 FedEx Cup Champion Billy Horschel, who finished runner-up at The 152nd Open last month is also making his second appearance at the FedEx Open de France after making his debut in the event last year.
“It’s great that FedEx have come on board as title sponsor of the Open de France,” said Horschel. “I’m incredibly proud to have won the FedEx Cup and I’ve seen the great impact the organisation has had on our sport in the United States.
“I’m excited to continue my season playing such historic events on the DP World Tour, and I am very keen to return to France after having such a great experience last year.”
Also in the field are former World Number One and 2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose, 2016 Masters Tournament champion Danny Willett and four-time DP World Tour winner Ryan Fox.
This year marks the 106th edition of the Open de France, celebrated as the oldest national open on Continental Europe. Past champions include legends of the game such as Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer, Sir Nick Faldo, José María Olazábal, Byron Nelson and Walter Hagen.
The tournament occupies a prime position on the DP World Tour’s ‘Back 9’, which encompasses nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national opens, giving members their final opportunities to secure playing rights for 2025 and also advance to the season ending ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’.
Tickets are now available from €25 and Under 18s will benefit from free admission with a paying adult. Click here to purchase. For more information on Premium Experiences at the FedEx Open de France, click here.
