VERSAILLES, France, June 29 (UPI) -- Philip Golding, after a record 16 visits to qualifying school, birdied the final hole Sunday to defeat Swindon's David Howell and win the French Open.
Golding, a 40-year-old Englishman, had never previously finished higher than sixth and seven months ago was on the point of quitting the circuit.
Golding shot a closing 3-under-par 69 for a 15-under total of 273.
The winner's check was almost as much as Golding had earned in his entire career prior to this season.
His triumph followed that of Britain's Malcolm Mackenzie last year. Mackenzie also was 40 and had not won in 20 years.
But whereas Mackenzie had 33 top-10 finishes before his victory, Golding - a former model - had never hinted that he would break through.
