Graeme McDowell looking for French Open hat-trick
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The opening round of the French Open at Le Golf National in Paris was abruptly halted by morning thunderstorms which caused a 2hour 30mins delay.
When play resumes, Graeme McDowell will be looking to become the first player for 77 years to win the title for the third year running.
“Having a chance to win a tournament three times in a row is very special,” said the 2010 US Open Champion. “I’ve always enjoyed this golf course, right back in the early days when I would come here.”
Not since Marcel Dallemagne in 1938 has someone lifted Continental Europe’s oldest Open three times in succession, and only five players have ever landed a hat-trick of European Tour titles in the same event – McDowell is hoping to join an exclusive club featuring Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els.
Two years ago McDowell romped to a comfortable four shot victory, but it was touch and go last time when he made a successful title defence after American Kevin Stadler missed a short putt on the 18th.
