Following the Irish and Spanish Opens in recent weeks, France now takes center stage in the national championships as the FedEx French Open returns to the National Golf Club.
The first French Open was held in 1906 and is the oldest national open in continental Europe. This year it has a new sponsor – FedEx. It is no secret that the strategic alliance between the PGA and DP World Tour played a major role in FedEx becoming a sponsor due to its impact on golf on this side of the Atlantic.
DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley said in February: “We are pleased to welcome FedEx to DP World Tour’s global platform, which will provide them with an already extensive portfolio of golf in the United States through the PGA Tour. marketing plan.” when the news was announced.
The event occupies an important place on the schedule as the “Back 9” series enters its final games and players look to finish in the top 70 in the standings to qualify for the playoffs.
While the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood have all locked up playoff berths, some big-name players will need to improve if they are to make the playoffs. Nicolai Hojgaard and Ryan Fox find themselves outside the top 70 ahead of the Dunhill Links Championship.
Last year, Ryo Hisatsune earned his first DPWT victory in Paris by two strokes over Jordan Smith and Jeff Winther.
Where is the French Open held?
The National Golf Club of France hosted 29 French Opens between 1991 and 2023, with only the 1999 and 2001 tournaments being held elsewhere.
The course hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup, where Europe enjoyed a stunning 17.5 – 10.5 victory under Thomas Bjorn, and more recently hosted the 2024 Olympic Golf Tournament. Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko won gold medals in the men's and women's events.
It's worth noting that water plays a role on ten holes, which puts a lot of pressure on accuracy, not just off the tee but also on approach shots.
No. 18th The hole is one of the most difficult on the course. Water flows from the left side to the front of the green. Add to that some bunkers on the right side of the fairway and it can terrify even the best golfers.
2022 Guido Migliozzi hits a great approach shot into the 18th holeth Leave yourself a 6-foot birdie putt, it might take something special to win the championship this year.
Who is participating in the French Open?
While the likes of McIlroy, McIntyre and Fleetwood are missing this week, several of the biggest names in European golf are still in attendance.
Justin Rose, who played a key role in the 2018 Ryder Cup victory, is back on the court as he aims for his first global win since 2023. Francesco Molinari, Torbjorn Olsen and Danny Willett, all former Ryder Cup players, have competed. The first two have fond memories of that European victory six years ago.
Elsewhere, recent BMW PGA Championship winner Billy Horschel and Spanish Open winner Angel Hidalgo will be looking to continue their good form.
The full French Open field can be found here.
What is the format of the French Open?
The format of the French Open is a standard stroke play, with a total of 72 holes and a knockout round (two rounds) after 36 holes. The player with the lowest score over the four rounds wins the game.
Who will win the French Open?
Selected odds for the French Open will be shown here when available.
How much will the winner of the French Open receive?
This week's purse is $3.25 million, down from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship's $5 million purse.
Still, the winner will receive a check of nearly €500,000, in addition to 5,000 Ryder Cup points and 1,500 Race to Dubai points.
Who won the French Open?
| Year | winner | Fraction | runner up |
| 2023 | Always bright | -14 | Jordan Smith and Jeff Winther |
| 2022 | Guido Migliozzi | -16 | Rasmus Hoggard |
| 2019 | Nicholas Korsatz | -12 | Joachim B. Hansen |
| 2018 | Alex Nolen | -7 | Russell Knox, Julian Sue and Chris Wood |
| 2017 | Tommy Fleetwood | -12 | Peter Uihlein |
| 2016 | Thongchai Jadi | -11 | Francisco Molinari |
| 2015 | Bernd Weisberg | -13 | james morrison |
| 2014 | Graeme McDowell | -5 | Thongchai Jade and Kevin Stadler |
| 2013 | Graeme McDowell | -9 | Richard Stern |
| 2012 | Marcel Sim | -8 | Francisco Molinari |
How to watch the French Open?
UK viewers can watch the French Open on Sky Sports Golf.
All times are British Summer Time
Thursday, October 10:Sky Sports Golf, 12 o'clock
Friday, October 11:Sky Sports Golf, 12 o'clock
Saturday, October 12: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30
Sunday, October 13:Sky Sports Golf, 12 o'clock
U.S. viewers can watch all four days of action on the Golf Channel.
All timesEDT
Thursday, October 10: Golf Channel, 07.30
Friday, October 11: Golf Channel, 07.30
Saturday, October 12: Golf Channel, 07:00
Sunday, October 13: Golf Channel, 06.30
French Open: Tee times and groups
French Open tee times and brackets will appear here as they are announced.
About the author
Ross Kilvington – Golf News Staff Writer
Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who currently writes previews for Today's Golfer, covering events on the DP World, PGA and LPGA Tours, and the LIV Golf Series.
Ross has a keen interest in golf and plays as much as possible, although he has two daughters under the age of six, which means it will be a while before he breaks 80.
Despite first picking up a club at age 11, there have been few highlights on the golf course.
An eagle on the par-4 16th hole at Kinghorn was a standout (even though it was only 290 yards, it didn't matter).
