It was the French Open at Le Golf National this week. I must admit this event is growing on me. On my first few visits here, 7or 8 years ago, I wasn’t the greatest fan. However the more I come back the more I have appreciated how good the golf course is, how big the event is and how nice Versailles and Paris is. Can’t believe I’m actually writing this.

 As normal I stayed in Versailles near the Chateau de Versailles which is probably one of the most magnificent buildings you could ever wish to see, and on this trip the Parisians I came across even appeared to be friendly and the golf club had more than just cheese baguettes on offer. Remarkable.

Anyway on the Tuesday I spent some time with David Horsey and Michael. Dave hasn’t putted as well as he normally does recently, but last week we had identified that he has been striking the ball out of the heel which is an old tendency of his. This affects both pace control and direction, so we did some technical work to get his stroke back on plane.

On the Wednesday I walked the front 9 with David Horsey to see how he transferred the work to the golf course. The course was in excellent condition. In fact the greens are probably the best I have seen them.

The set up of the course however could be a little debatable in that I’ve never seen the course looking so tough. The fairways have been narrowed in substantially and the rough is thick if you miss the fairway. If the weather is anything but kind then there will be some big numbers. Last year the winning score was, if I remember correctly,  7 under with decent weather so I will be very surprised if that is surpassed. Jean Van Der Velde is running the tournament this year so I guess he is looking to leave his mark.

On the Wednesday Chris Wood arrived after trying to qualify for the Open Championship in Final Qualifying on the Tuesday. Chris had played 36 holes on the Tuesday and travelled Wednesday morning so we just a little time to do some work. I also spent some time with Bradley Dredge and Ken Ferrie who both asked me recently if I could help them.

After a long day on the links it was the customary Wednesday dash to the airport this time negotiating the Paris ring road at rush hour, which is not for the faint hearted. Luckily no delays which is the norm for an easyjet late in the day flight.

Next week it will be Inverness for the Scottish Open. Best dig out my waterproofs and umbrella for that one.