Thomas Levet
With six victories on the European Tour—including the 2011 French Open, the 2002 Open playoff, and the 2004 Ryder Cup: Thomas Levet shares his bunker shots lessons in French.
Thomas Levet He has one of the most impressive track records in French golf: six victories on the European Tour, including the 2011 French Open and the 2004 Scottish Open, a playoff finish at the 2002 Open Championship, and a victory for Europe at the 2004 Ryder Cup. Here is a summary of his biography, his list of achievements, and his video lesson on bunker shots.
Who is Thomas Levet?
Thomas Levet is a French golfer, born on September 5, 1968, in Paris. He turned pro in 1988 and, according to the DP World Tour, became the first Frenchman to play on the U.S. PGA Tour in 1994. He won his first European Tour event at the 1998 Cannes Open, which reopened the doors to the circuit for him.
In 2001, he won the British Masters at Woburn on the third hole of a four-way playoff: it was the first victory by a Frenchman on British soil since Arnaud Massy at the 1907 Open. The following year, at Muirfield, he finished the Open Championship tied for the lead after a final round of 66. He competed in a four-way, four-hole playoff, then lost in sudden death to Ernie Els.
In 2004, he won the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and joined Bernhard Langer’s European team. At Oakland Hills, he defeated Fred Funk in singles (1 up) and became the first Frenchman to score a point in the Ryder Cup; Europe won 18.5 to 9.5. That same season, he reached his highest world ranking, 41st, in January 2005. This was followed by the 2008 Andalusia Open, the 2009 Spanish Open, and then his fondest memory: the 2011 French Open, which he won on home soil.
After moving up to the senior ranks, he won the European Senior Masters in 2019, followed by the Legends Open de France and the Scottish Senior Open in 2021. The Legends Tour notes that he is the first player to have won the French Open and the Scottish Open on both tours. He is still competing in Legends Tour events in 2026 and provides commentary on major golf tournaments for the Canal+ group.
Thomas Levet's List of Achievements
| Tournament or Record | Result |
|---|---|
| Victories on the European Tour | 6: 1998 Cannes Open, 2001 British Masters, 2004 Scottish Open, 2008 Andalusia Open, 2009 Spanish Open, 2011 French Open |
| Ryder Cup | European victory in 2004 at Oakland Hills (won the singles match against Fred Funk) |
| Best result in a major | Runner-up at the 2002 Open Championship at Muirfield, losing to Ernie Els in a playoff |
| Highest world ranking | 41st (January 2005) |
| Victories in the Senior Division | 3: 2019 European Senior Masters, 2021 Legends Open de France, 2021 Scottish Senior Open |
| French Premieres | First French player on the PGA Tour (1994), first French point in the Ryder Cup (2004) |
Thomas Levet's Game: What His Lesson Teaches Us
Thomas Levet has never been the longest hitter on the tour, but he is a well-rounded and consistent player, capable of winning on links courses like Muirfield or Loch Lomond. His victory at the 2001 British Masters and his 2002 playoff win came down to mental toughness and the short game. It’s also this common sense that we see in the Canal+ analyst: he explains the pros’ shots in simple terms that are accessible to amateurs.
Thomas Levet's Bunker Shot
His video lesson gets right to the point. The first adjustment is made before the swing: by moving the shaft back, he opens the clubface of the sand wedge toward the sky, which maximizes the club’s bounce and prevents it from getting stuck in the sand. The motion itself is then very simple: a short backswing, followed by a big follow-through, as if you were throwing a bag of sand toward the flag. It’s the sand that lifts the ball out, not the strike. A Quick Lesson on Bunker Shots with Thomas Levet.
To go further into the sand
If you want to explore the bunker in more detail, the section Bunker shot brings together all the lessons on the site about this topic, including one from another French Ryder Cup player, Victor Dubuisson, and its “80% body, 20% hands.” For shots around the green, see also wedge play, pitching, and chipping and Pitch Shots.
The Best Lessons by Thomas Levet, Organized by Topic
See also the profiles of other French players on the tour, Jean Van de Velde, his co-host on Canal+, Victor Dubuisson and Raphaël Jacquelin, as well as that of Seve Ballesteros, four-time French Open champion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas Levet: Career Highlights, the Ryder Cup, and Golf Lessons on Video
How old is Thomas Levet?
Thomas Levet was born on September 5, 1968, in Paris; he is 58 years old.
What is Thomas Levet's track record?
Six victories on the European Tour (1998 Cannes Open, 2001 British Masters, 2004 Scottish Open, 2008 Andalusia Open, 2009 Spanish Open, 2011 French Open), the 2004 Ryder Cup with Team Europe, and three victories on the senior tour.
Did Thomas Levet play in the Ryder Cup?
Yes, in 2004 at Oakland Hills, as part of Bernhard Langer's European team, which won 18.5 to 9.5. By defeating Fred Funk in singles, he became the first Frenchman to score a point in the Ryder Cup.
Did Thomas Levet almost win the Open?
Yes, in 2002 at Muirfield: tied for the lead after 72 holes, he competed in a four-way playoff, then lost in sudden death to Ernie Els.
What is Thomas Levet doing these days?
He commentates on major tournaments and the Ryder Cup for the Canal+ Group and still plays on the Legends Tour, the European senior circuit.
Where can I find a golf lesson from Thomas Levet?
His bunker shot lesson is summarized on this website: open face by pulling the club back, a short backswing, and a big follow-through—just like throwing a bag of sand.
