Jean Van de Velde

Jean Van de Velde is one of the most famous and popular golfers in World Golf. The Frenchman, who speaks 4 languages, is known for his great short game and his honesty, dignity and character. France’s most famous and successful golfer is now re-emerging as a major force in the game following his recent win on the European Tour.

Born in Mont-de-Marsan near Bordeaux, Jean showed that he was a very talented golfer from an early age.  By the time that he was 20, Jean had established an impressive amateur biography.  When he won the European Under 25 Championship and then the Roma Masters, the European golfing establishment knew that Jean was in a different league to other French golfers. From 1994 - 2000, Jean was consistently amongst the leading European Tour players.  He finished in the Top 30 in every year, except in 1997 when he was injured for part of the year.  He was also France’s leading player for 12 years.

At The Open in Carnoustie in 1999, Jean showed his international class.  On one of the toughest ever Open courses, Jean led from the fifteenth hole of his second round until the 72nd hole.  Having pre-qualified for the tournament, Jean produced attacking golf and stunning putting (a record 101 putts over the four rounds).

Jean will always be remembered for his 72nd hole.  His second shot to the 18th produced one of the unluckiest pair of bounces in Open Championship history.  Having stood on the tee with a three shot lead, Jean produced an incredible ‘up-and-down’ from the bunker to make the play-off.  Unfortunately, a bad drive at the first extra play-off hole cost him and he/Justin Leonard lost to Paul Lawrie. Consistent performances following The Open ensured that Jean became France’s first ever Ryder Cup player.

Jean has won millions of fans worldwide with the dignity and character with which he has handled himself since 1999.  He performed well in Majors and on the US PGA Tour. Following a stint in the US from 2000-1, Jean returned to base himself in Europe where he had a difficult 3 years with knee injuries including 2 operations.  Having worked hard to get back to full fitness Jean had an outstanding 2nd place finish at the 2005 French Open and played well in his remaining tournaments. In 2006, his comeback was complete when he won the Madeira Open to gain a 2-year exemption on the European Tour. Jean’s goal is to return to the European Ryder Cup team in 2008. He is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in world golf and one of the most popular with fans/media alike. Great things await.

Career History

2006 UBS Hong Kong Open - 8th

2006 Madeira Island Open - Winner

2005 French Open - 2nd

2001 Cannes Open - 2nd

2000 US Masters - 16th

1999 The Open Championship Carnoustie - Runner-Up

1999 Ryder Cup - 13th in Order of Merit

1999 Reno-Tahoe Open – 2nd , Tucson Open 2nd (US PGA Tour)

1998 French PGA Championship - Winner

1998 French PGA Championship – Winner

1998 Scandinavian Masters - 4th

1997 Heineken Classic - 3rd

1996 French PGA Championship - Winner

1996 Heineken Classic, Loch Lomond Invitational - 2nd

1995 French PGA Championship - Winner

1995 Cannes Open - 2nd

1994 Cannes Open, Canon European Masters - 3rd

1993 Dutch Open - 2nd

1993 Roma Masters - Winner

1988 UAP Under 25 European Open Championship - Winner

1986 French Amateur Champion - Winner