FedEx Open de France 2024 preview: Field, beting odds, tee times and how to watch

The site of the 2024 Olympics returns to host the Open de France.

Following on from the Irish and Spanish Opens in recent weeks, France now takes center stage for their national championship as the FedEx Open de France returns to Le Golf National.

The inaugural edition of the Open de France took place in 1906, making it the oldest national open in continental Europe, and it has a new sponsor this year – FedEx. It is no secret that the strategic alliance between the PGA and DP World Tours played a part in FedEx becoming the sponsor given its impact on golf across the pond.

“We’re excited to welcome FedEx to the DP World Tour’s global platform where they can build upon an already extensive golf marketing program in the United States with the PGA Tour,” said Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour in February when the news was announced.

The event holds a prime spot in the schedule as the ‘Back 9’ series comes down to its final few events, with players looking to finish inside the top 70 in the standings, thus qualifying for the playoffs.

While the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Tommy Fleetwood have all secured their spots for the playoffs, several big names will need to improve if they are to make it. Nicolai Hojgaard and Ryan Fox found themselves outside the top 70 prior to the Dunhill Links Championship.

Last year, Ryo Hisatsune claimed his maiden DPWT victory by two strokes over Jordan Smith and Jeff Winther in Paris.

Where is the Open de France played?

Le Golf National has hosted the Open de France 29 times between 1991 and 2023, with only the 1999 and 2001 tournaments taking place elsewhere.

The course held the 2018 Ryder Cup, which saw Europe claim a stunning 17.5 – 10.5 victory under the leadership of Thomas Bjorn, and more recently the 2024 Olympic Golf where Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko won gold in the men’s and women’s tournaments.

Remarkably, water comes into play on ten holes, which places plenty of stress on accuracy, not only off the tee, but also on approach shots.

• Golf World Top 100 Best Golf Courses in Europe.

The 18^th hole is one of the hardest on the course. Water is in play all the way down the left side and in front of the green. Add in some pot bunkers on the right-hand side of the fairway and the sense of trepidation will send shivers down the spines of even the finest of players.

In 2022, Guido Migliozzi hit a sublime approach shot into the 18^th to leave himself a 6-foot birdie putt, and it could take something as special to win the title this year.

Who is in the field for the Open de France?

Although the likes of McIlroy, MacIntyre, and Fleetwood are absent this week, there are several of European golf’s big names in the field.

Justin Rose returns to the course where he played a key role in the 2018 Ryder Cup victory and will be aiming for his first victory worldwide since 2023. Francesco Molinari, Thorbjorn Olesen, and Danny Willett, all former Ryder Cup players, have entered the tournament. The former two hold fine memories from that European triumph six years ago.

Elsewhere, recent winners at the BMW PGA Championship – Billy Horschel, and Open de Espana – Angel Hidalgo will be looking to continue their fine form.

The full field for the Open de France can be found here.

What is the format of the Open de France?

The format of the Open de France is a standard strokeplay event played over 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes (two rounds). The player with the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament.

Who will win the Open de France?

Selected pre-tournament odds:

Billy Horschel 12/1

Rasmus Hohgaard 14/1

Thriston Lawrence 20/1

Matt Wallace 20/1

Jordan Smith 22/1

Thorbjorn Olesen 25/1

Victor Perez 25/1

Thomas Detry 28/1

Tom McKibbin 30/1

Matteo Manassero 30/1

How much will the winner of the Open de France receive?

The purse on offer this week is $3.25m, which is a decrease on the $5m on offer at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Nevertheless, the winner will still walk away with a cheque for nearly €500k, plus securing 5,000 Ryder Cup and 1,500 Race to Dubai points too.

Who has won the Open de France?

How to watch the Open de France?

Viewers in the UK can watch the Open de France on Sky Sports Golf.

All times BST

Thursday, 10 October: Sky Sports Golf, 12.00

Friday, 11 October: Sky Sports Golf, 12.00

Saturday, 12 October: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30

Sunday, 13 October: Sky Sports Golf, 12.00

Viewers in the US can watch all four days of action on the Golf Channel.

All times EDT

Thursday, 10 October: Golf Channel, 07.30

Friday, 11 October: Golf Channel, 07.30

Saturday, 12 October: Golf Channel, 07.00

Sunday, 13 October: Golf Channel, 06.30

Open de France: Tee times and groupings

Tee times and groupings can be found here.

About the Author

Ross Kilvington – Contributing Golf News Writer

Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who currently writes previews for Today’s Golfer, covering events on the DP World, PGA, and LPGA tours along with the LIV Golf Series.

Ross holds a passionate interest in golf and tries to play as often as possible, although having two daughters under the age of 6 means his quest to break 80 will have to wait a little longer.

Despite first picking up a club aged 11, highlights are few and far between on the golf course.

An Eagle on the par-4 16th at Kinghorn is one that stands out (it doesn’t matter that it was only 290 yards).