Woosie hits top form in France

Ian Woosnam, not even in Europe’s top 100 this season, suddenly hit top form when the French Open began today.

While others had a nightmare time in the rough and wind of Le Golf National near Paris, the 46-year-old Welshman produced a superb front nine of 31 to lead the race for a first prize of €500,000.

Woosnam finished with a four under par 67 and led in the clubhouse by three from England’s Ian Poulter and Mark Roe although, out on the course, Australian Marcus Fraser stood two under after two.

The former world number one’s last victory was the World Match Play at Wentworth three years ago.

He has not captured a strokeplay title since 1997 and next Monday is involved in qualifying for the British Open at Sunningdale.

After a birdie and two bogeys on the shorter back nine Woosnam began his run with a birdie at the 416-yard first and then picked up further strokes on the third, fifth, seventh and eighth.

Poulter was delighted with his round after missing the cut with two closing bogeys in the US Open last week but critical of the lack of ball-spotters early on.

“Pathetic,” was the word he used.

Australian Robert Allenby, who deserved a medal for his round-of-the-day 70 in America on Sunday, appeared to suffer a reaction, taking seven on the long 14th in his 76.

France’s Thomas Levet and American Rob Rashell had eight and nine respectively on the same hole, while South African Hennie Otto took 10 on the ninth.