Golding stays on top in tight finish to French Open

England's Philip Golding won the French Open today, shooting a final-round 69 to finish on a 15-under-par total of 273.

England's Philip Golding won the French Open today, shooting a final-round 69 to finish on a 15-under-par total of 273.

David Howell came second, one stroke behind, with another Briton, Justin Rose, and Australian Peter O'Malley tied for third place on 13 under par.

Never higher than sixth in any of his previous 200 events and a lowly 411th in the world, the 40-year-old from Luton held his nerve to beat Swindon's David Howell with a birdie at the last.

Golding claimed the massive €290,791 first prize - almost as much as he had earned in his entire career prior to this year - with a closing 69 and 15 under par total of 273.

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Howell also shot 69 to push Rose, round in a best-of-the-day 65, and O'Malley into third.

Golding, Howell and O'Malley were then asked to take the first-ever drug test on the European tour at the insistence of the French Sports Ministry.