Dan Bradbury Clinches FedEx Open de France Title

A Nerve-Wracking Finale

Starting the day two shots behind Sweden's Jesper Svensson, Bradbury was just one of 11 players who took turns at the top spot in the closing stages. However, it was a crucial series of birdies from the 14th hole that gave the 25-year-old from Wakefield the edge. He displayed impressive composure, parring the challenging 18th hole to card a final-round 66 and set the winning clubhouse target.

The Englishman’s second DP World Tour win comes after his maiden victory at the Joburg Open in November 2022, which had marked just his third start on the tour. This win in France boosts his ranking, moving him from 98th to 25th in the Race to Dubai, ensuring his spot in the season-ending play-offs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Bradbury's Remarkable Performance

Reflecting on his win, Bradbury acknowledged a mix of skill and fortune. "I obviously got lucky off the tee, but I've had a few bad breaks this week, so it was nice to get a good one," he told Sky Sports. "It didn't feel like my day at times, but something was definitely going for me."

With pressure mounting on the back nine, Bradbury held his nerve. A near-miss drive on the 15th hole, which stopped just inches from the water, was one of several pivotal moments that allowed him to stay in contention. Despite admitting to a "horrendous putt" that miraculously found the hole, Bradbury's perseverance paid off as he sealed a hard-fought victory.

Missed Opportunities for the Chasing Pack

Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen and England's Sam Bairstow were both just one shot behind at 15 under, missing key birdie chances on the 16th and 17th holes that could have forced a play-off. They joined Germany's Yannik Paul and Denmark's Jeff Winther, who had already completed their rounds at 15 under, in a tie for second.

Winther, the first to finish at 15 under after a stellar final-round 64, reflected on his near-miss. "It felt easy," he said. "I was just trying to have fun with my caddie, which made it a lot easier." However, he rued a missed birdie putt on the par-five ninth that could have changed the outcome.

Looking Ahead to Dubai

With his latest triumph, Bradbury has now secured his place in the DP World Tour’s season-ending events. "The goal this week was just to make the cut and avoid going to Korea to keep my card," he said, acknowledging how the win changed his plans. "I guess I'll be looking at flights to Dubai then."

The FedEx Open de France, known for its unpredictable and dramatic finishes, delivered another exciting chapter this year. As Bradbury hoisted the trophy at Le Golf National, he celebrated not just a tournament victory but a crucial step forward in his career.

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