Bickerton claims second Euro win at Open de France
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2006 Open de France | Wrap | 03 Jul 2006
John Bickerton won his second European Tour event in the last fifteen months but just his second since joining the Tour in 1995 when he claimed the lucrative Open de France title at Le Golf National. In doing so, Bickerton not only beat a high class field of European Tour players but secured one of the biggest first prize cheques on the European Tour (€666,000).
Bickerton has been a steady performer on the European Tour since what was essentially a breakthrough season in 1999. He did not win that year but finished runner up at the Portugese Open and from that season forward he has been a solid, if unspectacular, performer. This year, however, has seen good finishes in Spain and Malaysia but to have won an event of this quality will change the fortunes of the 36-year-old from Droitwitch in more ways than the obvious.
Bickerton has moved to fifth on the money list and now finds himself on the verge of Ryder Cup selection, a possibility that he and most others would not have been considering seven days ago.
Bickerton came from one behind Michael Campbell as they entered round four and with just a few holes to go the tournament appeared to be his for the taking. A double bogey at the 15th changed the complexion of things considerably and he was forced to make three pars to finish to stay clear of Padraig Harrington who had finished an hour before the last group. Bickerton’s playing partner Michael Campbell also had a chance to force the issue with a birdie at the last but the roller coaster that had been Campbell’s last twenty seven holes continued when he double bogeyed the final hole.
Harrington’s second place was a continuation of a brilliant run of form in recent weeks following on from his 6th place at the BMW, a near miss at Winged Foot and his runner up placing at last week’s Booz Allen event. He must be an exhausted golfer right now but of wild horses would not keep him away from next week’s European Open in his home country.
Campbell, perhaps benefiting now from having the mantle of US Open Champion lifted from his shoulders, was in contention throughout the week and after the disappointment of what was an ordinary defence at Winged Foot, he might well begin to contend regularly in the big European Tour events coming up.
Sharing third place with Campbell were the in-form Ian Poulter and Australian Marcus Fraser, who secured the biggest cheque of his career when he finished with a final round 69 to pick up €222,000 or A$345,000. Fraser made a brilliant start to his professional career winning four events in his first twelve months. He turned pro just a few weeks after becoming the leading individual at the Eisenhower Trophy in Malaysia in 2002. While he has not exactly struggled, the potential he displayed as a result of that promising start has not materialised to the extent that many though it would, but this is a week full of promise for the 27-year-old.
Peter O’Malley and Richard Green both had good weeks finishing in 7th place. For Green, this was yet another good showing at this course having finished runner up here in 2004, while for O’Malley this was a big improvement on recent weeks. O’Malley let a great chance for an even better finish slip with two late bogeys but there will be satisfaction in his improved performance no doubt.
Peter Fowler was the only other Australasian to make the cut when 60th.
The European Tour now heads for Ireland for the European Open where US Open surprise packet, Kenneth Ferrie, will be defending.
