Switzerland’s Maximilien Sturdza sets the pace in La Gomera

La Gomera, July 2nd, 2026 – Under the Canary Islands sunshine, Maximilien Sturdza made the perfect start to this year’s Fred. Olsen Alps de La Gomera. Playing in the morning, the Swiss player carded an excellent 63 (-8) to take the opening-round lead.

The 26-year-old, who finished 11th last week at the UGolf Aravell Andorra Open, produced a flawless bogey-free round. He made his move with a superb stretch of five birdies in six holes between the 6th and the 11th, setting the pace after the opening day.

Despite an early bogey on the 5th, Spain’s Alfonso Buendia opened with a 65 (-6) thanks in part to an eagle on the 4th. He shares second place with fellow Spaniard Gonzalo Leal, whose eventful round included one eagle, eight birdies and four bogeys.

Round 2 will begin at 8:10 a.m. local time from the 1st tee at Tecina Golf. At the conclusion of the second round, a cut will be made to the top 40 professionals and ties (including all amateurs within the cut), who will advance to the final round.

Round 1 Player Quotes

Maximilien Sturdza: “I felt good when I woke up and just went through my normal warm-up. I got off to a good start and it was nice to finish with a bogey-free round. I was four under through nine, and then the putts just kept dropping. I only missed one or two greens all day, which shows my game is in a good place. Over the next two days, I’ll just try to do the same thing, stay consistent and remain mentally present.”

Alfonso Buendía: “I’m very happy to be back here, as I am every year. It’s a beautiful place and the course is in great condition. It was a really solid round and I’m pleased with my game. I only missed one drive all day, so overall I’m very satisfied. The goal now is to stick to the same strategy and hopefully stay near the top of the leaderboard.”

Tournament Promoter and Sponsors

The 2026 Fred. Olsen Alps de La Gomera is promoted and organized by JGolf.

The 2026 Fred. Olsen Alps de La Gomera is supported by Fred. Olsen, S.A., as well as the Gobierno de Canarias, Promotur Turismo de Canarias, the Cabildo Insular de la Gomera, the Federación Canaria de Golf and Kyocera.

Alps Tour Media Contact: Nathan Cardet –[email protected]

Photo Credit: Alps Tour Golf/ Raffaele Canepa

For further information, please visit the official Alps Tour website at www.alpstourgolf.com or download the official Alps Tour Golf mobile application, available on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). Stay informed by following the Alps Tour on social media via Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X.

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