Jorge Maicas claims dramatic Biarritz Cup by ARKEA victory

Biarritz, France, July 26, 2026 – A tightly contested leaderboard, leaders cancelling each other out, and challengers charging from behind made for a thrilling final round at the Biarritz Cup by ARKEA, which ultimately required a three-man sudden-death playoff to decide the champion.

After losing in a playoff at this event last year, Jorge Maicas earned his revenge by birdieing the first extra hole to capture the title. The Spaniard signed for a superb 5-under-par 64 to finish the tournament at 11-under par, tied alongside France’s Benjamin Kedochim and Switzerland’s Maximilien Sturdza after 54 holes.

Italy’s Luca Memeo finished alone in fourth, just one shot outside the playoff, while defending champion Victor Dubuisson shared fifth place with Spain’s Víctor García Broto.

With the victory, Jorge Maicas earns €8,100 and 6,525 Order of Merit points, moving significantly closer to the leading group in the season standings. Meanwhile, a seventh-place finish was enough for Mario Galiano Aguilar to climb into fifth place in the Order of Merit.

With only a handful of events remaining, the Order of Merit is becoming increasingly competitive, with every point proving crucial in the race to qualify for the 2026 Hulencourt Alps Tour Grand Final and secure one of the coveted promotion spots to the HotelPlanner Tour.

The race resumes at the 2026 Longwy Alps Open, taking place from September 3–5 at UGolf Longwy International in France.

Round 3 Player Quotes

Jorge Maicas :  “I’m obviously very happy. The day didn’t start the way I wanted, and I wasn’t playing my best early on. But as the round went on, I started playing better, making putts and getting myself into contention. On the last hole I had a chance to win it in regulation, and it came very close, so I was pleased just to make the playoff.

I looked at the leaderboard on the last hole, but I didn’t really know how many players were tied at the top. I knew I was in contention, but not exactly where everyone stood.

My season started slowly. Then I began playing better, even if the results didn’t always show it. After a small dip, I decided not to play last week’s tournament in Burgos so I could rest, practise at home and come to Biarritz fully recharged. This win changes my season because the Order of Merit is so tight. If you don’t win tournaments, it’s very difficult to move up the rankings.”

Maximilien Sturdza : “It was a really good day. I got off to a great start and was four under after six or seven holes, which gave me a lot of confidence. Then the finish was really good: birdie on 15 and eagle on 16 some very solid shots. It was a great round.

I decided not to look at the leaderboard today. The first time I saw it was on the 15th hole, and that’s when I realised I was right near the top.

Overall, I’m feeling very positive. It’s my best result on the Alps Tour so far, and for the last few tournaments I’ve felt that my game has really been coming together. Of course, it would have been nice to leave with the trophy, but it’s still a very encouraging week.”

Tournament Promoter and Sponsors

The Biarritz Cup by ARKEA is promoted and organized by the Association Sportive des Golfs de Biarritz.

The event is supported by Arkéa Banques Entreprises et Institutionnels, C&S Partners, Golf Plus, Srixon, Ecoalf, Maison Adam, Volvo Sipa Automobiles, Société des Golfs de Biarritz, Alain Afflelou Biarritz, Eiffage, Zaporeak, Ville de Biarritz and the French Golf Federation.

Photo : Alps Tour / Nathan Cardet

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

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