Archie Smith takes control ahead of final round of the Hulencourt Alps Tour Grand Final

Genappe, Belgium, October 16^th, 2026 –England’s Archie Smith moved into pole position at the Hulencourt Alps Tour Grand Final after carding a superb 66 (-6) in Friday’s second round. The 24-year-old, who started the week 42nd in the Order of Merit, will head into the final round with a one-shot lead as he looks to end his rookie season in style.

Smith made a flying start with four consecutive birdies over his opening four holes. He added three more birdies during the round before a bogey on the 18th, finishing the day at 10 under par and setting himself up for a potentially season-defining final 18 holes.

The chasing pack remains close behind. Spain’s Mario Galiano Aguilar produced the round of the day, an outstanding bogey-free 64 (-8), to climb into a tie for second at nine under par, just one shot off the lead. His performance also lifts him to third in the projected Order of Merit, strengthening his position in the race for a place in the Top 5 and promotion to the HotelPlanner Tour.

France’s Alexandre Vandermoten also shares second place after an excellent bogey-free 66 (-6). The Frenchman’s round puts him provisionally at the top of the Order of Merit, ahead of Andrea Romano, setting up a crucial final day in the battle for the season-long title.

Romano, a four-time winner on the Alps Tour this season, remains firmly in contention for another victory. The Italian sits in a tie for fourth at seven under par alongside Ireland’s Sam Murphy and Italy’s Mattia Comotti, four shots behind Smith.

Despite sitting 19th in the tournament standings, Spain’s Pablo Alperi Lopez remains projected to hold fifth place in the Order of Merit, behind Galiano Aguilar and Maxime Legros. With the title, the Order of Merit crown and the final Top 5 positions all still to be decided, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 season.

The final round will begin at 9:00 a.m. local time from both the first and 10th tees. At the conclusion of the 54-hole tournament, the winner will receive €10,000 and 9,500 Order of Merit points. In the event of a tie, a playoff will determine the champion.

Round 2 Player Quotes

Archie Smith: “I got off to a great start with four birdies in the first four holes and made some nice putts. From there, I played solidly and hit every green in regulation until the last hole. The bogey on 18 stings a little, but overall it was a great day. Tomorrow, there are still 18 holes to play and anything can happen, so I’ll go out with nothing to lose, try to make as many pars and birdies as I can, and enjoy the moment. The course has been exceptional both days, and I’m looking forward to the final round.”

Alexandre Vandermoten: “I’m very happy with a bogey-free round. I played steadily and made some important up-and-downs. I also holed some good putts, including a 17-metre eagle putt on the 13th, and finished with a birdie on 18. Overall, it was a very solid round. I’m just trying to enjoy my last Alps Tour event, stick to my routine with my caddie and see what happens.”

Mario Galiano Aguilar: “It was a perfect day. I played really good golf, made eight birdies and had chances on almost every hole. It was one of the best days of golf I’ve had in the last 10 years. Tomorrow will be a pressure day for everyone because we’re playing for our cards, but I’ll focus on myself, make the best swings I can and enjoy the day. That will be the key.”

Tournament Promoter and Sponsors

The Hulencourt Alps Tour Grand Final is promoted and sponsored by Hulencourt, with logistic support from the Royal Belgian Golf Federation.

Photo : Raffaele Canepa/Alps Tour

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

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 updated by following the Alps Tour on social media via Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X.

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