Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee prove uncatchable in the 100th Open de France on Sunday and shot 68 to win by four strokes over Francesco Molinari.
South Africa’s Brandon Stone (pictured) made his way around in one-under-par 70 to share fifth place with Andy Sullivan and Martin Kaymer, seven shots behind the winning score.
Stone went bogey-free on the stretch and was rewarded with a place at The Open Championship, which had four spots on offer in France this week.
‘I’m very excited,’ said the 23-year-old. ‘I’ve got some great tournaments coming up, The Open, PGA and the Olympics in the next few months so I’m really excited for the next stretch of events.’
Jaidee broke par in all four rounds at Le Golf National and made one bogey at the weekend. His near-flawless showing left Rory McIlroy (third) and Rafa Cabrera-Bello (fourth) to settle for top-five placings.
Richard Sterne showed a bit of his class after a horrendous 76 in the first round. The six-time European Tour winner made the cut with a Friday 68 and then went a collective three-under-par at the weekend to finish in a share of 11th.
Trevor Fisher Jnr tied for 38th, Justin Walters tied for 45th, and Jaco van Zyl shared 62nd.
For Stone it was a week that proved he can mix it with the best. His SA Open victory in January was a huge step, but a top-five amongst world-beaters will be nearly as motivational when he tees up at Royal Troon.
