French Open (Euro Tour)

I wasn't going to make a thread for this, but seeing as how baby walrus (kevin stadler) posted an excellent 7 under to put himself on top the leaderboard after the 1st round...why not!?

Euro Ryder Cup potentials Stephen Gallacher (3rd place) and Jamie Donaldson (T4) also had good rounds, but hometown hero Victor Dubuisson had apparently a very rough time dealing with allergies/hay fever. Victor posted a +5 (76)... he could very well miss the cut much like Martin Kaymer did last week in Germany.

Speaking of Kaymer, I'm surprised to see him in the tournament as he's stated a couple times lately how tired he's been. Take a week off guy!

Other notables include: Matthew Fitzpatrick in his 2nd pro tourney (-2), Thongchai Jaidee (-1), G-Mac (-1), Paddy Harrington (+3), Thomas Bjorn (+5),

After 2 rounds, Stadler's at -10, on top.  Next at -7, and many follow.  Only 2 USA guys made the cut, amongst  a parade of world flags.

McDowell goes 67 for a successful title defense In France. Stadler goes major meltdown, topped off with a pathetic putt for the tie at 18. Lose the banned putter, dude. They're poison.

Great round and win by G-Mac...will help his Ryder Cup chances. Horrible putt by Stadler. Can't believe that.

My man! :-D

I think Stadler has a ticket to the BOpen. He won a tourney this year in USA.

Many comments about Stadler's aching back, from play on Saturday. He looked pretty weary at the end. i could imagine his thoughts on the final hole being 'how soon can i lie down and rest my back'. Given the possible pain the shortest route to the bed rest is NOT a playoff.

The Thai guy, Jaidee, really played like a champ. Way over par in the first 4 holes, then rours back on a very difficult course, rainy, windy, lots of water, horrid high rough, steep ridges off greens, narrow fairways,  forced carries. Tough, tough course. . Even Gmac was wearing warm-up mittens between shots. Jaidee had a towel wrapped around his shoulders. Few, maybe only 4 players, shoot under par on day. That is indicative of difficulty of course and conditions.

Although Stadler's a young guy, he does carry much extra weight and this certainly affects his stamina walking the wet and sloppy hills.

Kinda the same here. I've always liked watching the Eruo tour. Oh yeah,, WTG G-Man..

The Euro course graphics are way better, IMO.  The graphics  show the hole layout, the drive placements, the distance to the green.  None of these do i see on USA TV.

I agree. I usually enjoy the courses, commentators, TV start time (early in the morning) a lot more. It helps when guys like Henrik, G-Mac, or Jimenez are in the running though. I loved this quote from Graeme.. "I'm very surprised," said McDowell. "Midway through my second glass of red wine last night, when I was very disappointed with my back-nine performance on Saturday, I really didn't think I'd be standing here with an opportunity to be in a play-off and with a trophy in my hands." Classic...drowning his back nine sorrows with wine, I do that all the time.

I have always said this, their commentators are ideal for me. I enjoy their coverage way more than USA coverage.

Well done smallrus for heading to the European tour, good for you mate.  And second too!! Nice to see USA players heading across the pond to mix it up and he was so close to a play off. Gotta love him !