Kaymer defeats Westwood in Open playoff
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2009 Open de France | Round Four | 06 Jul 2009
24-year-old German sensation Martin Kaymer added a third European Tour title to his already impressive resume when he defeated Lee Westwood to win the Open de France at Le Golf National in Paris. Kaymer bounced back from missed cuts in his last two events at the US Open and his BMW title defense in Munich.
As Kaymer made the turn in today’s final round, he and Westwood were tied at 13 under. Westwood was playing three groups ahead of Kaymer and both moved to 14 under with birdies at their respective 10th and 13th holes. They would drop shots almost immediately although essentially they had the tournament to themselves.
Ahead on the golf course, Ian Poulter was doing his best to work his way into contention. Poulter made a slow start to the tournament in fact he was in 31st position and nine behind the lead heading into the weekend. A round of 66 on Saturday moved him to the edge of contention but when he added five birdies in his first 13 holes today he was well on his way.
Westwood and Kaymer would not stumble but neither were unable to secure the birdie needed over the closing few holes grab the outright lead. It would therefore require a playoff to separate the pair and at it would not take long. Westwood found the water with his second at the first extra hole, the par four 18th, and although Kaymer was fortunate to avoid the same fate, the title was his.
Kaymer will likely move inside the world top twenty as a result of his win and adds this title to the Abu Dhabi Championship and BMW International titles he won in 2008.
Poulter’s run ended when he bogeyed the 15th and although he would also bogey the last he had done enough to retain third position.
Anders Hansen and Peter Hanson finished in a share of 4th while Richard Green, Kenneth Ferrie, Soren Hansen and Paul Waring shared 6th.
For Green it continues some good form of late and with the Open Championship just ten days away his good finish this week augurs well for a big week at Turnberry.
Scott Strange was the next best Australian in 10th position while Marcus Fraser continues to make cuts without threatening, finishing 42nd.
The European Tour will now move to Scotland for the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond where an impressive field is assembling for the lead up event to the Open Championship.
