France’s Gregory Havret officially retired today as a tour player and will begin the “next chapter” in his life, working with ffgolf to develop “high-profile” young male golfers.
Havret was your classic journeyman golfer, who carved out a long solid career on the European tour, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the 2010 U.S. Open along with three victories (2001, 2007 and 2008).
That third win in 2008 (Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles), moved Havret into the top 100 in the world for the first and only time in his career. Even in his prime, Havret was only ranked around 300 or so in the world. He qualified for just nine majors and missed the cut in more than half.
Yet, after today, Havret will be able to reminisce about a pro golf career that spanned about 25 years, and took him all over the world, alongside the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who he beat in a playoff to win the 2007 Scottish Open.
5️⃣6️⃣0️⃣ Starts
3️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ Cuts
3️⃣ WinsThank you for everything you've done for European and French golf, Grégory ????#FedExOpenDeFrance | @GregHavret pic.twitter.com/fSb12XjngN
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 13, 2024
Fans who look down on Havret’s career are missing the point.
0.5% winning percentage, no Ryder Cups, no olympic teams?
— CT BirdieDoctor ???????????????????????????? (@CTbirdiesNhoops) October 13, 2024
Havret’s professional journey allowed him to travel around the globe, while earning a very good living.
His best result, which he cited, was a runner-up in the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. For that performance at the iconic venue, Havret lost by a stroke to Graeme McDowell, while earning the silver medal. His score of 285 was better than 154 other golfers, including Hall of Famers, spanning two or three generations, such as Tom Watson, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, among others.
How many critics can sit back with a Johnnie Walker on ice and talk about the weekend he beat all those icons? None.
Marquee names he beat en route to claiming his three career titles, excluding superstars he edged at the U.S. Open, included Louis Oosthuizen, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Paul McGinley, Francesco Molinari, Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke, Paul Lawrie, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter, and Angel Cabrera, among others.
Je te félicite, Mr. Havret.
