The FedEx Open de France began in style at Le Golf National, with defending champion Michael Kim producing a remarkable opening round to take control of the early leaderboard.
Kim fired a bogey-free 63, finishing at nine under par after an impressive display of precision from tee to green. The American made eight birdies, including four across his opening six holes, before adding another burst of birdies on the closing stretch.
“Just a dream start.”
Kim credited the performance to an all-round game, with his iron play and putting particularly sharp. Starting from the back nine, he quickly found momentum and never surrendered it.
Kristoffer Reitan is two strokes back after the opening day
Fitzpatrick makes a polished return
Matt Fitzpatrick was equally impressive on his return to the French championship.
The Englishman carded a six-under 65, making six birdies without dropping a shot. That placed him two strokes behind Kim in a group sharing second place.
Fitzpatrick described the opening round as relatively stress-free — a valuable quality around the demanding Le Golf National layout, a course already familiar to him through its Ryder Cup history.
A crowded chase
The leaderboard remains tightly packed after an unusually low-scoring first day.
Key names near the top include:
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Michael Kim: 63, bogey-free, eight birdies
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Matt Fitzpatrick: 65, bogey-free, six birdies
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Sam Bairstow: 65
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Kristoffer Reitan: 65
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Thriston Lawrence: 66
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Matteo Manassero: 65
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Jason Scrivener: 65
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Giorgio De Leo: 65
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Edoardo Molinari: 67
Among the tournament's other high-profile names, Viktor Hovland opened with a four-under 67, while Tommy Fleetwood recorded a two-under 69.
Fleetwood carries particular history at Le Golf National, having been part of Europe's Ryder Cup-winning team at the venue in 2018.
The luxury appeal of Le Golf National
For travelling golfers, Le Golf National offers more than championship pedigree. Its combination of demanding design, international tournament history and proximity to Paris makes it one of Europe's most distinctive golf destinations.
The opening round also underlines the character of the venue: when conditions allow, aggressive and accurate golf can produce spectacular scores, but the course continues to reward discipline and strategic decision-making.
With Kim holding an early two-shot cushion and Fitzpatrick firmly in contention, the FedEx Open de France has already delivered an elegant blend of elite competition and French golf atmosphere.
For golfers inspired by the experience, pairing championship golf with exceptional resorts, dining and culture through Vietnam Luxury Golf Tours offers a similarly refined way to discover Asia's premier fairways.