Michael Kim birdied the 16th and 17th before sinking a clutch par putt at the 18th on Sunday to claim the Open de France by one shot over Elvis Smylie and Ko Jeong-Weon.
The 32-year-old American sealed victory at Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche near Paris with two late birdies. Despite finding a bunker at the last, Kim chipped onto the green and holed from five metres to save par – enough to clinch his first European title and first win anywhere in seven years.
Kim began the final round one shot behind joint leaders Brooks Koepka and Min-Woo Lee, with Ko and Smylie a further stroke back.
Ko eagled the 17th and closed with a five-under 65 to tie Smylie, who also carded 65, in the clubhouse lead. But Kim’s nerveless 65, highlighted by his late charge, carried him to a 16-under total.
Koepka, the former world No 1, faded with a back-nine 37 for a one-under 68 after going out in four under. Lee, meanwhile, dropped three bogeys on the back nine and settled for a 69.
“It feels amazing. I haven’t won a tournament since the 2018 John Deere Classic,” Kim said. “I’ve had a really good year on the PGA Tour. This feels like the perfect cherry on top and I hope to continue this throughout my career.”
Jayden Schaper led the South African contingent with a 65 to finish on 11 under (T9), with Richard Sterne on six under (T17) after a 68 and Justin Harding on five under (T22) after a 69.
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© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Luke Walker/Getty Images
Article Link: Kim edges Smylie, Ko for Open de France crown