Michael Kim wins Open de France for first title in seven years, Ryan Fox finishes 14th

Michael Kim of the United States poses with the trophy following victory at FedEx Open de France 2025. Photo / Getty Images

Michael Kim birdied the 16th and 17th and then sank a clutch putt on Sunday to edge Elvis Smylie and Ko Jeong-Weon by a shot at the Open de France.

Kim, a 32-year-old American, pulled ahead at Saint-Nom-La-Breteche near Paris with his two late birdies.

He found a bunker on the last but chipped on to the green and holed from 5m to save par.

That sealed Kim’s long-awaited win and deprived the home crowd of the chance of seeing Frenchman Ko in a playoff.

Kiwi Ryan Fox saved his best round for the final day, shooting a 68 to finish in a share of 14th place at seven-under. Fellow Kiwi Daniel Hillier finished in 56th and remains one spot outside the top 10 in the season standings that receive PGA Tour cards for 2026.

Kim started the day one shot off joint third-round leaders Brooks Koepka and Min-Woo Lee, with Ko and Smylie one further back.

Ko eagled the 17th and then headed into the clubhouse tied for the lead with Smiley after both shot 65s.

Neither the former world No 1 Koepka nor Lee could respond to that closing spurt.

The American went out in four under but came home in one over par, for a 68. Australian Lee had three bogeys on the back nine for a 69.

Kim picked up two strokes on the last three and held his nerve on his way to a 65 and a 16-under four-round total. It was enough for his first European title and his first anywhere in seven years.

“It feels amazing. I haven’t won a tournament since 2018 at the John Deere Classic,” he said.

“I’ve had a really good year on the PGA Tour this year. This feels like the perfect cherry on top and I hope to continue this throughout my career.”