Player Profile - Thomas Levet

This week’s player profile highlights the career of 2011 French Open champion Thomas Levet.

Levet was born in Paris, France in 1968. After taking to the game of golf at a young age, he made significant progress as a teenager with the aim of playing professionally. In 1988, his chance to turn pro finally arrived and the young Frenchman made a great debut, winning the French PGA Championship in his rookie year. At a time when France was searching for a great young talent, Levet was eagerly watched by golf fans in his native country.

Following his debut, Levet honed his skills on the professional circuit. A number of top ten and top twenty finished would follow, but fans had to wait a full decade before Levet’s first victory on the European Tour – the 1998 Cannes Open. Following this victory, Levet had established himself as a serious contender at the highest level of professional golf. More victories were to follow.

In 2002, Levet narrowly lost the Open Championship at Miurfield to South African Ernie Els in a sudden-death playoff. After a year in the United States in 2003, the Frenchman returned to Europe and was victorious at the 2004 Scottish Open. In the same season he represented Europe on the victorious Ryder Cup team. At the end of 2004, Levet was number five on the European Order of Merit.

Victory came again for Levet in 2008 when he won the MAPFRE Open de Andalucía. The following season, he won the Open de Espana, having the most wins on the European Tour of any French player. On Sunday Levet was once again victorious when he won the French Open.

Levet has suffered from Vertigo, a conditions that affects his balance, throughout his career. Despite the immense challenge that this condition presents to any athlete, Levet has weathered the storm and emerged as a champion golfer.

Golfweather Editorial