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Michael Kim voices discontent over upcoming French Open adjustment post-victory

Originally posted on HITC | By Lee Connor | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 9:22 AM ET

Michael Kim has added his name to the list of DP World Tour winners after clinching victory at the French Open, marking his second career title.

In France, Kim secured a DP World Tour title, triumphing over a strong field that included Brooks Koepka. This victory adds to his 2018 PGA Tour win.

He closed with two birdies over the final three holes, while Elvis Smylie managed just one in the same stretch, giving Kim a one-shot win at 16 under par.

Despite getting over the line, Kim was left disappointed by a change coming to the French Open in 2026. Speaking after his win, he admitted it.

Michael Kim disappointed by French Open venue change for 2026

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This year’s tournament took place at the Golf of Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, which proved to be a challenging venue for the players.

In 2026, however, the French Open will return to Le Golf National. When asked about the change, Kim did not hide his disappointment.

“Disappointing,” Kim said when giving his thoughts on the decision to go back to Le Golf National.

“You know, I know how difficult Le Golf National is. Everyone talks about it. This course wasn’t as tough, I imagine. But kind of this week, had some rain, some wind. You know, we even had to play the ball up today.

“So it was a really good challenge. I feel like I played as well as I did this week as any other week that I’ve played this year, and I’ve had some really, really nice weeks this year.”

One thing that could stand in his way is whether he will actually be available to play in 2026 and defend his title.

When asked about his intentions to come back next year and try again, Kim said it was hard for him to say at that moment, given there is so much golf between now and then.

“I can’t commit to next year because I don’t know how good of a year I’ll have next year. But I’ll make my best effort to come back. Because I really enjoyed Paris, not just because I played well this week, but just staying in Versailles this week. And I’ve been to Paris a couple times just as a vacation but I thoroughly enjoyed it way more this time around.

“I’ll be making every effort that I can to come back.”