French Open
FRENCH OPEN 2005
There were three Irishmen in the top three at conclusion of the French International at Club De La Grande Motte on 17 April 2005. Collinstown's Alan Hanlon survived a thrilling finish with fellow Irishman Sean Goggin to win the coveted title. Early leader David Antonelli (France) faded with a final round 57. Hanlon and Antonelli had tied on three under par 105 for the opening 36 holes. Cement's Sean Goggin was third - the only other player under par at that stage - on 107. Antonelli ultimately finished level with Erry's William Buckley Junior - the 2003 Irish Strokeplay champion. William Buckley earned third slot on the tiebreaker.
Alan Hanlon, beaten in a play-off for this event two years ago and best foreign player in 2004, was in third place after an opening round 53. David Antonelli led on 51 with Holland's Rolf Kwant second on 52. Hanlon, who makes an Irish international debut at Arnhem next August in the European championship, fired a second round 52 and a closing 54 to complete the win. Sean Goggin bogeyed the final hole to drop out of a tie with his Irish colleague.
Leading scores:
159 Alan Hanlon (Ireland) 53, 52, 54.
160 Sean Goggin (Ireland) 54, 53, 53.
162 William Buckley Junior (Ireland) 56, 52, 54; David Antonelli (France) 51, 54, 57.
163 John Deeble (GB) 56, 54, 53.
166 Gerard McGuirk (Ireland) 57, 56, 53; Rolf Kwant (Holland) 52, 56, 58
167 Gerry Gallagher (Ireland) 60, 56, 51; Steve Deeble (GB) 60, 54; 53.
170 William Buckley Senior (Ireland) 55, 60, 55
171 George Beardsley (Ireland) 60, 55, 56.
172 Benjamin Vendange (France) 58, 56, 58.
175 Yann Victoria (France) 60, 59, 56; Bert Olthuis (Holland) 63, 54, 58
176 Michel Giorgi (France) 62, 59, 55; Antonio Trasforini (Italy) 60, 59, 57; Jimmy Scanlon (Ireland) 60, 58, 58;
178 Lolc Dannerolle (France) 64, 58, 56; Elia Casali (San Marino) 59, 59, 60; Jean-Luc Pannetier (France) 61, 57, 60.
