How Michael Kim snapped a 53-year-old golfing hoodoo by winning The French Open

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Michael Kim won the French Open after a stunning final round and in doing so he’s broken a troubling streak for American golfers.

Kim produced the goods on the final day in Paris as he made two late birdies to put himself onto -16 and one shot in front of the chasing pack.

It was a first DP World Tour win for Kim, who is looking to kick on after a fine 2025 on the PGA Tour.

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Kim has yet to confirm if he’ll be back to defend his title in ’26 and the reality is he’ll be hoping this win provides him with the springboard to add to his solitary win on the PGA Tour.

Nevertheless, even if he doesn’t get any more wins, Kim has flown the flag for his country and in winning in France, has ended a curse lasting more than half a century.

Michael Kim breaks 53-year-old streak with French Open win

We all love a statistic in golf but sometimes things come out which truly blow the mind.

Given America has so many talented golfers across both tours, it’s quite rare we see an event where an American hasn’t won in recent times.

However, when it comes to the French Open, it’s very much an event those from the USA have struggled in.

In fact, by Kim winning in Paris, he’s become the first American golfer to win the French Open since Barry Jaekel in 1972.

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The American golfers who have won the French Open

There have been some big names over the years who have won the French Open.

Big names on this side of the pond like Tommy Fleetwood, Colin Montgomerie and Sir Nick Faldo have all managed to win in France.

However, when it comes to Americans, they are in short supply on the winner’s list.

Alongside Michael Kim and Barry Jaekel, there aren’t too many more to note.

The legendary Byron Nelson won it in 1955, while before that we have to go all the way back to 1920 and the equally as legendary Walter Hagen.

All in all, we’ve seen only four Americans win the French Open so for Michael Kim to be in such esteemed company, it will mean that little bit more.