McDowell retains French Open title with one-shot victory

Northern Irish golfer Graeme McDowell retained his French Open title with a one-shot victory as overnight leader Kevin Stadler let slip a four-shot advantage on the final day of the tournament.

McDowell started the day eight shots adrift of Stadler, but a final-round 67 provided him with a one-shot victory over Stadler, who finished in a tie for second place with Thongchai Jaidee.

According to the BBC, Stadler missed a three-foot putt on the 18th to force a play-off at Le Golf National.

McDowell said that this is really a good kick-start to his summer, adding that he feels very fortunate.

The Northern Irishman also said that Stadler is a great player but he needed this victory, adding that it is a special one for him.

Stadler's overnight lead was reportedly wiped out in the space of eight holes as he struggled to cope in wet and windy conditions.

The win, his first since this tournament last year, improves McDowell's chances of securing a place on the European Ryder Cup team in Gleneagles in September, the report added.