Staff WriterThe FedEx Open de France, the grande dame of continental European golf, returns this September with a fresh zip in its step—and a new postcode.
Now in its 107th edition, the historic championship shifts to the revered fairways of Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche from September 18-21, and four of France’s finest are ready to make their mark on home soil.
Headlining the local charge is Matthieu Pavon, the Toulouse native who made headlines in 2024 by becoming the first Frenchman since before the Titanic sank—1907, to be precise—to win on the PGA TOUR, lifting the Farmers Insurance Open.
If that sounds like a long drought, it’s because it was. Now, Pavon leads a proud French contingent into the FedEx Open de France with renewed swagger and a patriotic chip on his shoulder.
“Playing in the Open de France is always special for me as a Frenchman,” said Pavon. “I’m excited to return to Europe and compete on home soil.
The move to Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche adds a new dimension to this historic tournament, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of learning a new course alongside the rest of the field.”
Joining him is Antoine Rozner, the Parisian maestro with three DP World Tour wins to his name and a résumé that reads like a world tour of silverware: Dubai (2020), Doha (2021), Mauritius (2022).
Rozner’s been a model of consistency, cementing top-50 status on the Race to Dubai since his rookie year, but the glaring omission on his CV? A win in front of his own crowd.
“The Open de France means everything to French golfers,” Rozner said. “I’ve had some strong performances in recent years, and I’m determined to capture my first victory on home soil.
Playing at Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche for the first time gives everyone a fresh start, which is an exciting change and I’m looking forward to playing in my home city.”
Also flying the tricolore is David Ravetto, fresh from his breakthrough win at the 2024 D+D REAL Czech Masters. The 27-year-old will be eyeing more silverware now that the champagne’s dried on his maiden triumph.
“Winning my first professional title at the Czech Masters was incredible,” said Ravetto. “Now I’m looking forward to bringing that confidence to the Open de France.
There’s nothing quite like competing on home soil, and I’m excited to test myself against this world-class field at Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche.”
Not to be overlooked is Frederic Lacroix, whose maiden title at last season’s Danish Golf Championship capped a statement year for the rising Parisian.
“Last year was a great year for me with my win in Denmark. The Open de France represents the pinnacle of French golf, and I’m determined to show that I can compete with the best players in the world.
The support from French fans is always incredible, and I hope to give them something to cheer about.”
The 2025 FedEx Open de France is more than just a venue switch—it’s a homecoming of sorts. Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche, a former Seve Trophy host and a course revered for its precision-demanding layout and bucolic charm, replaces Le Golf National after a 21-year run that included the unforgettable 2018 Ryder Cup. If Le Golf National was built for drama, Saint-Nom is built for beauty—and brainpower.
This year’s field is nothing short of international calibre. Pavon, Rozner, Ravetto and Lacroix will join defending champion Dan Bradbury, PGA TOUR winners Min Woo Lee and Corey Conners, Rolex Series stalwart Ryan Fox, and breakout French phenom Martin Couvra, who claimed his first DP World Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Open in May.
Tickets for the 2025 FedEx Open de France are now on sale, including General Admission and Premium Hospitality packages.
With French pride on the line and a course steeped in heritage welcoming the world’s elite, it’s shaping up to be a vintage year for one of golf’s oldest open championships.
For more details and to book your place at this historic event, visit the official FedEx Open de France site.
