If you haven’t been watching a ton of golf outside of the major tournaments this year, you may be wondering a bit about the top of the leaderboard at this weekend’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
French native Matthieu Pavon has remained in contention for the title all week and finally grabbed the outright lead on Saturday. So who is the 31-year-old golfer?
Let’s dive into his background as he looks to win his first major title.
1. Pavon is currently ranked No. 24 in the world
That’s likely to change after this week. Pavon entered the U.S. Open with just one victory on the PGA Tour since turning pro in 2013. That came earlier this year at Torrey Pines in the Farmer’s Insurance Open. He followed that up with a third place finish at Pebble Beach in the following week’s AT&T Pro-Am.
Yet Pavon hasn’t had a ton of success in the majors until this week. His previous best at the U.S. Open is a T25 in 2018 and his best finish at any major is a T12 at the Masters this year. Pavon missed the cut in his other three major tries.
2. He’s a native of Toulouse, France
Pavon would become the first Frenchman to win the U.S. Open — which is saying something since this is the 124th edition of the tournament.
But that would be nothing new since his win at the Farmers Insurance Open made him the first French winner on the PGA Tour since 1907.
3. He’s the son of pro soccer star and manager Michel Pavon
Pavon’s father Michel actually played on the U21 French national team during nearly a decade with Toulouse FC, scoring 42 goals in 388 career appearances as a midfielder from 1986-2001.
Since retiring, Michel has managed for Bordeaux, Blanquefort and Libourne.
I didn’t realise that Matthieu Pavon’s dad was a very successful footballer until he referenced it yesterday. Scored against Man United in the Champions League back in 2000 no less. The keeper’s had a bit of a shocker here, but nice strike from Dad Pavon all the same. pic.twitter.com/Pz9nCRqhrc
— Sam Harrop (@sam_golf) January 28, 2024
4. Pavon earned his 2024 PGA Tour card by finishing 15th in the 2023 DP World Tour
And if he keeps up this level of play he won’t have to worry about losing his Tour status anytime soon.
5. Pavon’s favorite quote is tattooed on his hand
Pavon has plenty of tattoos but one on his hand is especially meaningful, as he explained earlier this year:
"The saliva that flows now will become the tears of joy tomorrow."
A closer look @MatthieuPavon's inspiring tattoo.
The Frenchman looks to secure his first TOUR victory in his rookie season. pic.twitter.com/wQ91V6FJdi
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 27, 2024
