Ryo Hisatsune has won the Cazoo Open de France, becoming the third Japanese winner in DP World Tour history. He follows in the footsteps of Isao Aoki at the 1983 Panasonic European Open and Hideki Matsuyama at the 2016 WGC-HSBC Champions.
Hisatsune started the day four shots behind the leaders and made two birdies and two bogeys to make the turn in 36 before producing five birdies for a final-round 66 and a 14-under, 270 total.
“It feels unreal. For me, I didn’t think I would win, but I just won! I’m feeling delighted, it’s my first win, I’m so happy. I fly back to Japan tomorrow. Maybe in business class, I don’t know!
“The front nine I did not play well, but the back nine I played very well. I think this was because I wanted to win.”
Hisatsune joined the Tour after coming through Qualifying Tour last year. He has recorded six top tens since including finishing second at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.
“It’s been nothing like I thought (DP World Tour career so far). I only turned pro three years ago, first years playing in Japan, then on to the DP World Tour through Q School. Now I’m here with my first win in my pro career – it’s so amazing.”
Overnight co-leader Jordan Smith of England closed with a 72 for a share of second place at 12-under alongside Denmark’s Jeff Winther who shot a 65.
Fellow Dane Rasmus Højgaard (68) finished fourth at 11-under followed in fifth place at 10-under by Austria’s Lukas Nemecz (68).
Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson, who held a share of the overnight lead, finished 10th at 8-under after two double bogeys and two bogeys led to a 76.
