Matt Fitzpatrick sits two shots off the early lead at the FedEx Open de France, as defending champion Michael Kim topped the leaderboard after a ‘dream start’ at Le Golf National.
Kim carded eight birdies, including four of his first six holes, to post a bogey-free 63 on a low-scoring opening day and grab a two-shot advantage.
The American - beginning on the back nine - followed successive birdies from the 11th by adding two more from the 14th, then ended a run of pars by picking up a shot at the par-four first.
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Kim failed to take advantage of the par-five third but added back-to-back birdies from the fifth to move top of the leaderboard, then doubled his lead over the chasing pack - including Fitzpatrick - by picking up a shot at the par-five ninth.
"Just a dream start," Kim said. "All parts of my game were really good, especially my irons and my putting. I couldn't have asked for a better start."
Fitzpatrick also made a blemish-free start, posting six birdies in a six-under 65, with the Englishman one of seven players sharing second after the opening round.
Thriston Lawrence was within one of the lead until a final-hole bogey dropped him back to six under, with Ryder Cup hopeful Kristoffer Reitan and England's Sam Bairstow also two back.
Australian Jason Scrivener and Italian duo Gerogio De Leo and Matteo Manassero are the others alongside Fitzpatrick in tied-second, with Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinar three strokes back on five under.
"Really good day," Fitzpatrick said. "Great start to the week and relatively stress-free, which is always nice - particularly around this golf course."
Viktor Hovland is four off the early lead alongside American Ryan Gerard while Tommy Fleetwood - part of Europe's Ryder Cup-winning team at this venue in 2018 - started with a two-under 69.
Manuel Elvira, who double-bogeyed the 72nd hole to miss out on BMW PGA Championship victory on Sunday, sits second-bottom of the leaderboard after a nine-over 80.
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(c) Sky Sports 2026: Open de France: Michael Kim leads after 'dream start' as Matt Fitzpatrick impresses on low-scoring day at Le Golf National
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