Graeme McDowell storms to French Open

GRAEME McDowell produced a final round four-under-par 67 to lead home the field by four strokes to become the first Northern Irishman to win the French Open.

2010 U.S. Open champion finished the tournament with a total of nine-under-par 275 in the final round at first strained finally be showing a man with McDowell cantering home to pick winners cheque 500,000 euros ($ 711,000).

Nearest rival at Le Golf National, Richard Sterne of South Africa, who held the lead after nine holes before collapsing down the stretch and finishing with three bogeys in six holes.

McDowell rock solid game only for four bogeys throughout the tournament was the second victory of the year basic.

Sterne settled for second on five-under-par 279.

English and Spanish Graeme Storm Eduardo De La Riva has been paired together for the final round and both men fired 69S two-under-par to claim part of the third place at four-under.

“I've always felt that this golf course is one I can get around well. And coming into this week has been a bit strange for me, too many missed cuts and a little bit inconsistent,” said McDowell.

“I felt my confidence coming back and hit the ball beautifully Thursday, Friday, Saturday. And today I was very realistic about my chances.”

Sterne led by one shot after a see-saw nine holes before McDowell birdied the 10th to draw level and is seen as South Africa drives tee shot on the 11th into the rough.

With no obvious side green, Sterne did well to get the pin 40 feet before getting into the first two bogey afternoon, McDowell put back in the driving seat at eight under.

The 31-year-old from Pretoria, looks certain to lose more ground on 13 when he sliced ​​a second shot into the water but fine approach shot 25 feet to save par prevent a back.

McDowell, who is looking for sixth win in eight games play a stroke when leading after three rounds, and Sterne then heading towards what most players have described as the toughest four finishing holes on the European Tour.

Both players pared 15 before the treacherous past three16th produced another swing on luck to McDowell.

His tee shot missed the green before leaving lucky bounce the ball in a position where he was able to two-putt for par.

Sterne Meanwhile, the pressure took its toll when he missed the 10-foot putts for par and second bogey in five holes ahead of McDowell handed two shots with two holes to play. He never looked back.

McDowell's win following his victory earlier this year at the Volvo World Match Play Championship and put him in second place in the Race to Dubai at 1530715 €, just 27,185 behind U.S. Open champion Justin Rose.

News from: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/golf/graeme-mcdowell-storms-to-french-open/story-fnaxw0m2-1226675818685

By: YC