Havret remembers Van De Velde nightmare
France’s new Scottish Open champion Gregory Havret will finally play his first major championship this week – on the same Carnoustie course where compatriot Jean Van de Velde blew a three-shot lead on the final hole in 1999.
The 30-year-old, who remarkably beat world number three Phil Mickelson in a play-off at Loch Lomond today, earned an Open place with his win.
Havret said: “I was at a friend’s house in 1999 when Jean had his nightmare. It was crazy to see, playing so well and putting so well for 71 holes and then finishing like that.
“But it can happen. Each time we play the dunhill tournament there we think of Jean and I’m sure I will this week too.”
Havret, £500,000 richer for his win, forgot to ask Mickelson to sign a glove for charity at the end of their round.
“I will ask him next week – in the last group on Sunday!” he added.
