As the first Frenchman to win a PGA Tour event in the modern era, Matthieu Pavon shares in this video how he works on power, draw shots, chipping, and putting.
Matthieu Pavon made history in French golf in January 2024: by winning the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, he became the first Frenchman to win a PGA Tour event in the modern era. Here’s his career path, his list of achievements, and what you can learn from his video lessons, almost all of which are in French.
Who is Matthieu Pavon?
Matthieu Pavon is a French professional golfer born on November 2, 1992, in Toulouse. He turned pro in 2013 and cut his teeth on the Alps Tour, where he won his first two titles in 2014 and 2015, and then on the Challenge Tour. In 2016, three second-place finishes earned him a spot on the European Tour (now the DP World Tour), which he joined in 2017.
It then took him a few seasons to establish himself among the elite. His breakthrough came in October 2023: he won the Spanish Open in Madrid by four strokes. Finishing 15th in the Race to Dubai that year, he earned his PGA Tour card.
In his first month in the United States, he made a big splash with his victory at the Farmers Insurance Open, one stroke ahead of Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. The rest of his 2024 season was just as impressive: 12th at the Masters in his Augusta debut, 5th at the U.S. Open, and a world ranking of 20th in May 2024. He also represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, held at Le Golf National.
Since then, Matthieu Pavon has been playing on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. He represented Continental Europe at the 2025 Team Cup, facing off against, among others, Tommy Fleetwood. In 2026, his best finishes were two 11th-place finishes, at the Valspar Championship and the Mexico Open.
Matthieu Pavon's list of achievements
| Tournament or Record | Result |
|---|---|
| PGA Tour | 1 win: Farmers Insurance Open (January 2024) |
| DP World Tour | 1 victory: Spanish Open (October 2023) |
| Alps Tour | 2 titles: Rebetz International Open (2014), Servizitalia Open (2015) |
| Best Results in Major Tournaments | 5th at the 2024 U.S. Open, 12th at the 2024 Masters |
| Highest world ranking | 20th (May 2024) |
| Race to Dubai | 15th in 2023 |
| Olympic Games | Paris 2024 (Golf National) |
| Team Event | 2025 Team Cup with Continental Europe |
Matthieu Pavon's Game
Matthieu Pavon has developed a well-rounded game capable of holding up over the very long courses in the United States. His videos for the French Golf Federation and the Journal du Golf have one thing in common: in them, he talks in French about his training methods. There’s no magic formula: just simple exercises, repeated with a clear purpose, that you can adapt to your own skill level.
Matthieu Pavon's Power and Driving Style
Everyone dreams of hitting the ball hard. Matthieu Pavon explains how he works on his speed, both on the driving range and off the course. His message is clear: power is something you build—it doesn’t just come out of nowhere. This is a good place to start if you want to add a few meters to your drive without losing control.
Matthieu Pavon's draw and his control of the spread
On the driving range, Matthieu Pavon demonstrates how he works on his draw and how he tightens his spread by adjusting the radius of his ball’s curve. The key takeaway for amateur golfers: choose a specific shot type and practice it with a precise target, rather than just hitting balls at random. His 5th-place finish at the 2024 U.S. Open—on a course that punishes every wayward shot—demonstrates the value of this practice.
Matthieu Pavon's Short Game and Putting
The Toulouse native has been working hard around the green. On the putting green at the French Open, he reveals his putting drills. He also chips using a reverse grip—an uncommon grip that has helped him regain confidence in his short game. Since joining the PGA Tour, he has continued to refine his chipping with a specialized coach, Jo Mayo, and he explains this method in detail.
Lessons on Best Golf Tips
Matthieu Pavon's video lessons will be available on the website soon. In the meantime, here are the topics he covers:
- Power: Speed, Power, and Distance and Driving.
- Trajectories: Draw or Fade.
- Short Game: wedge play, pitching, and chipping.
- On the green: Putting and Range Practice.
Do you like French champions? Check out the profiles of Victor Dubuisson, Raphaël Jacquelin, Thomas Levet and Jean Van de Velde.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthieu Pavon: Career Highlights, Playing Style, and Golf Lessons on Video
Who is Matthieu Pavon?
A French professional golfer, born in Toulouse, who is a member of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. In January 2024, he became the first Frenchman to win a PGA Tour event in the modern era, at the Farmers Insurance Open.
How old is Matthieu Pavon?
Matthieu Pavon was born on November 2, 1992, in Toulouse; he is 34 years old.
Has Matthieu Pavon won on the PGA Tour?
Yes, once: the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines (California) on January 27, 2024, with a one-stroke lead over Nicolai Højgaard.
What was Matthieu Pavon's highest world ranking?
No. 20 in the world, achieved in May 2024. For this week's rankings, check the official world rankings (OWGR).
What is Matthieu Pavon's best finish at the U.S. Open?
A fifth-place finish in 2024 at Pinehurst. That is also his best result in a major tournament, ahead of his 12th-place finish at the Masters that same year.
Did Matthieu Pavon win on the European Tour?
Yes: the Spanish Open in Madrid in October 2023, with a four-stroke lead. That victory launched his career at the highest level.
Did Matthieu Pavon compete in the Olympic Games?
Yes, he represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, held at Le Golf National.
