The Open de France has been part of the European Tour since its inception in 1972. Born in 1906, it is the oldest tournament in Continental Europe. The tournament was upgrade into one of the leading tournaments in the circuit. It now offers a total prize money of € 4 million compared to only € 865,000 in 1999. Barring the masters and the world golf championships, it ranks amongst the top in Europe from 2006. Earlier it was played at different golf courses but now it is played at the Le Golf national in Paris annually. The tournament's name has been changed many times since its birth and is known as the Open de France ALSTOM from 2003.
Open de France (1906-79)
Paco Rabanne Open de France (1980-83)
Peugeot Open de France (1984-98)
Novotel Perrier Open de France (1999-2002)
Open de France ALSTOM (2003- )
John Bickerton won the 2006 Open de France ALSTOM by one stroke over Padraig Harrington. Besides the trophy, he also won the winner's cheque of €6,66,660.
Past Winners
The Open de France has been won by many celebrated golfers over the years. Here is a list of players who have won here since it became part of the European Tour .
John Bickerton 2006
Jean-Francois Remesy 2005-04
Philip Golding 2003
Malcolm MacKenzie 2002
Jose Maria Olazabal 2001
Colin Montgomerie 2000
Retief Goosen 1999; 2997
The Open de France ALSTOM became the first tournament on the tour to allow Michelle Wie play. As we continue on this tour we will learn about the other tournaments in the European Tour .
