SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France — Ryo Hisatsune of Japan posted a 5-under 66 to win the French Open by two shots over Jeff Winther of Denmark and Jordan Smith of England on Sunday, clinching his first victory on the DP World Tour.
"(I decided to play) more aggressive, like ‘Go, go, go,’ said the 21-year-old Hisatsune, who made five birdies on the back nine and jumped up four places in his final round at Le Golf National.
Winther’s fine round of 65 moved him up 10 spots. But countryman Rasmus Hojgaard, last year’s runner-up, missed out again after having looked in contention. His 68 left him in fourth, three shots behind Hisatsune.
Smith shared the overnight lead with Ewen Ferguson of Scotland, with both bidding for their third victories on the European tour.
Smith opened the day strongly with two birdies, but three bogeys followed as he carded a 1-over 72.
Ferguson had a nightmare start with consecutive double bogeys and his 5-over 76 — which featured two bogeys either side of his only birdie — saw him drop down the leaderboard in a tie for 10th.
"Unbelievable" 😱
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 24, 2023
Le Golf National is no easy track as co-leader @EwboF drops two shots! #CazooOpenDeFrance pic.twitter.com/PoPQWqX6sn
Hid round included a birdie putt that rolled off the green and into the water on the opening hole.