American golfer Michael Kim opened his FedEx Open de France title defense with a bogey-free, 8-under 63 at Le Golf National on Thursday, securing a two-shot lead over the chasing pack. Kim carded eight birdies on the newly renovated layout in Guyancourt, establishing an early advantage as continental Europe’s oldest national open reaches its midway point this week.
Michael Kim Sets the Pace With a Bogey-Free 63
Beginning his round on the back nine, Kim kick-started his day with four birdies across his first six holes, picking up successive shots from the 11th and adding two more on the 14th. After stringing together a run of pars, the defending champion birdied the par-4 first and added back-to-back gains from the fifth before capping his round with a birdie at the par-9th. “Just a dream start,” Kim said, according to Sky Sports. “All parts of my game were really good, especially my irons and my putting. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.” Last year, Kim became the first American to win the tournament in 53 years when he claimed his maiden DP World Tour victory at Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche.
Matt Fitzpatrick Leads Seven Players Tied for Second
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick sits two shots behind the leader after opening with a blemish-free, 6-under 65. Fitzpatrick is part of a seven-player tie for second place that includes South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan, and England’s Sam Bairstow. Australian Jason Scrivener and Italian duo Giorgio De Leo and Matteo Manassero also share the position at six under. “Really good day,” Fitzpatrick said, as reported by Sky Sports. “Great start to the week and relatively stress-free, which is always nice – particularly around this golf course.” Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinari sits one stroke further back at five under.
Contenders and Notable Starters at Le Golf National
Tommy Fleetwood, who featured on Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team at Le Golf National in 2018 and won this event in 2017, carded a 2-under 69. The 156-player field features 26 French competitors on home soil, including Matthieu Pavon and 2025 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Martin Couvra. European Tour Productions handles live broadcast coverage of the tournament, with Alison Whitaker leading the commentary team alongside Dame Laura Davies and Richard Boxall.
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