A YEAR on from breaking his leg, Thomas Levet has not ruled out jumping in the lake again at the end of this week’s Alstom French Open at Le Golf National near Paris.
Levet’s mishap put him out of the British Open and he did not play again until September.
“I hope I go in again. It means I won the tournament,” said the defending champion, one of only two home players to lift the title since 1969.
Colin Montgomerie, winner in 2000, said: “I think it is the silliest thing that players have done over the years.
“I have always been suspect about people diving into lakes, not knowing how deep they are and what is in there.
“There could be something sharp. He was lucky it was only a leg injury. It’s not the way to celebrate – taking the next three months off because you’ve hurt yourself.”
Levet plays the first two rounds at the 2018 Ryder Cup venue in the company of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter.
Rose has not played in the event since 2004 but, like his former cup partner, has chosen to make this his final warm-up for the British Open rather than next week’s Scottish Open.
The same goes for world number three Lee Westwood, looking for back-to-back victories on European soil after taking the Nordea Masters in Sweden four weeks ago, and US Open runner-up Graeme McDowell.
Westwood’s 22 European Tour wins do not include the French Open but he has had a number of near-misses, including a play-off defeat to Martin Kaymer three years ago.
That day, Westwood shot 65 to force sudden death but he went in the lake – with a shot rather in celebration – at the first extra hole.
“Martin’s ball carried the water by a foot and mine must have gone in by a foot. That’s the chance you take in play-offs,” he said.
The pair went on to be partners in the last Ryder Cup and are back together for the opening 36 holes.
“It would mean something special to win because of the history of the tournament,” Westwood said.
“It’s a very old national championship (first contested in 1906) and it’s a prestigious title to win. There’s some great names who have won it.”
There is another British Open spot on offer now and among those looking for a top-five finish are Montgomerie, BMW International Open winner Danny Willett, former Major winners Michael Campbell, Shaun Micheel and Rich Beem and last year’s amateur medal winner Tom Lewis.
The lowdown
Course: Le Golf National, Paris.
Prize money: €3.15 million (€525,00 to the winner).
Length: 7,347 yards. Par: 71. Field: 156.
The layout: Considered one of Europe's finest courses. Precise tee-shots are needed on these severely undulating fairways. Like everywhere else it seems, this place has had its heaviest rainfall for 60 years so the rough is lush and penal.
Defending champion: Thomas Levet.
Type of player suited: Those good off the tee will do well.
Key attribute: Accuracy.
Irish in action: Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, Michael Hoey, Shane Lowry, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane, Gareth Maybin and Paul McGinley.
Weather forecast: Showers.
On TV: Sky Sports (9am today).
