Jean Van de Velde? Close to the French Open Lead? Great!

Eleven years ago this week, Jean Van de Velde had a day that will live forever in golfing infamy.  With a disastrous final hole in the '99 Open at Carnoustie, the Frenchman surrendered the Open title in regulation and then did so again in a playoff.  (Hey! Remember Paul Lawrie?)

Now ranked 1175 in the world and without status on the European Tour, Van de Velde in making his second start of the year in his national open.  Out of nowhere, Van de Velde shot 66 yesterday to get into a share of second place.  With a win, Van de Velde is into the Open at St. Andrews.

By no means will that be an easy task.  As Golf365 notes, Van de Velde would have to beat slightly injured powerhouses in Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, as well as three other members of the OWGR top 11.  Van de Velde would also have to conquer his own demons at this tournament.  In his career, Van de Velde has three top ten finishes, but a heartbreaking runner up in the '05 French Open.

Van de Velde came to the final hole of the Open with a one stroke lead over fellow Frenchman and defending champion Jean-Francois Remesy at -12.  He bogeyed the final hole to finish tied and in a playoff at -11.  On the first playoff hole, Van de Velde made double bogey to cost himself his national title.  In each of the final holes, Van de Velde - of course - found water.

After his round, Van de Velde referenced the two traumatizing finishes.

"There are two tournaments I would like to play all my life if I could - the French Open and the British Open. I have a few scars and and some have not healed, but those are the two that have a special place."

Perhaps he is on the path to avenge both.  With a win this week, he could have a chance.