Ford’s French first policy

Matt Ford began his French Open challenge this week after opting not to contest this year’s Open qualifiers. Final Open qualifying took place on Tuesday but Ford’s commitments are with the European Tour. The French Open in Paris got under way yesterday (Thursday). He could still, however, earn a place at Royal Troon, with top 10 finishes in either of his next two tour events. Writing in his blog, the Bearsted golfer said: “I have taken the difficult decision not to enter Final Qualifying for this year’s Open. “The date falls two days before the start of the French Open and would prevent me from having a practice round as these can only be done on the Tuesday and Wednesday morning before the tournament. That would mean a one-day 36-hole qualifier on Tuesday and then driving through the night to get to France for a practice round – and then trying to play four rounds after that. “One of my ambitions is still to play in The Open, but the European Tour is my livelihood and I need to have 100% focus on that. “The French Open, which is celebrating its centenary, is going to be an incredible event this year with a strong field including Rory McIlroy and Danny Willett. There’s a good prize fund and world ranking points on offer.” This coming Thursday, Ford will be competing in the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, a course he has never played before. Ford said: “I am aware there are Open qualifying opportunities at both of these events. If I can finish in the top 10, I’ve got a chance.”