MacKenzie Wins French Open Golf

<br>VERSAILLES, France (AP) _ Malcolm Mackenzie birdied the last hole to win the $1.8 million French Open on Sunday and break a 508-tournament winless streak. <br><br>Mackenzie shot a final-round 72 to

Sunday, May 5th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

VERSAILLES, France (AP) _ Malcolm Mackenzie birdied the last hole to win the $1.8 million French Open on Sunday and break a 508-tournament winless streak.

Mackenzie shot a final-round 72 to finish with a 14-under 274 and beat Trevor Immelman by one stroke.

The 39-year-old Mackenzie, of Sheffield, England, led by three shots with four holes to play but struggled to the finish.

Mackenzie, who had not touched a club for three weeks coming into the tournament, bogeyed three straight holes to reach the par-5 18th even with Immelman.

Mackenzie found the fairway and then, from 193 yards out, hit a 2-iron shot to 15 feet from the pin to set up victory.

Immelman, the leader in the clubhouse, applauded while standing beside the 18th green. He shot a 72 Sunday for a total of 275.

Mackenzie lagged his first putt, but tapped in for victory and the $300,000 winner's check. His winnings this week were higher than his combined earnings from the 2000-02 seasons.

In 1990, he led into the final round of the Murphy's Cup, but finished second. It was his only previous experience heading a final-day field on the European Tour.

For Immelman, 22, it was also his best-ever European Tour finish. He earned $200,000.

Former Masters champion Ian Woosnam of Wales eagled the 18th for a 70 to share third place with Anders Hansen and Kenneth Ferrie.

Pre-tournament favorite Jose Maria Olazabal fell away with a 74, ending in a three-way tie for sixth place at 277 with Andrew Coltart and Eduardo Romero.