France’s Grégoire Hoyeau sets the pace with stunning opening 61 (-10) at Golf Lerma

Burgos, July 9th, 2026 – Just as it was during the Alps Tour‘s previous visit to Golf Lerma in 2024, low scoring was the order of the day. A remarkable 107 players bettered the par-72 layout during the opening round of the 2026 Alps de Las Castillas.

Amateur Grégoire Hoyeau, playing in just his third Alps Tour event, produced the standout performance of the day. Despite making a bogey on his final hole, the Frenchman carded a superb 61 (-11) to take the first-round lead.

Several players came close, but none could match Hoyeau’s score. Italy’s Flavio Michetti, France’s Alexandre Vandermoten, and Spain’s Mario Galiano Aguilar share second place after posting excellent 62 (-10) rounds.

Round 2 will begin at 8:30 a.m. local time from the 1st tee at Golf Lerma. 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

Grégoire Hoyeau: “This morning I wasn’t even feeling that good. I had a bit of a stomach ache, but in the end I think it actually helped because I had fewer expectations and played more freely. Once I got going, I just focused on my technical keys, made sure I ate well and stayed present.

Everything worked today. Putting is usually one of my strengths, my iron play was really solid, and every time I had a chip on a par five, I left myself inside two metres. It was just a very complete round.

I’ve rarely been in this position before. It’s only my third Alps Tour event, so the goal now is to rest well tonight and tomorrow just stay in the present again. Shot after shot. Even if I feel nervous, that’s normal. I know my swing is working, and I know what I’m capable of.”

Alexandre Vandermoten: “I played solid golf all day. I just kept things simple and holed the putts. On the 17th I hit it inside a metre for eagle and made it. On 18, I was happy to take par because I wasn’t in a great position. I just did my job.

I really tried not to think too much about the future or the past. There were a few moments where my mind wandered, but overall I stayed focused on the present, and I’m really pleased with how I managed that.”

Flavio Michetti: “I played really, really solid. I hit every green in regulation, my driver was amazing and my irons were very good. I had six eagle chances, and every birdie I made was from inside one metre, so it was a really good day. I actually missed a few putts, so hopefully tomorrow will be even better. During the practice round I shot nine under on the back nine when the putter was working well, so I’m feeling really confident heading into the second round.”

Tournament Promoter and Sponsors

The 2026 Alps de Las Castillas is promoted and organised by JGolf.

The tournament is supported by the Real Federación Española de Golf, Federación de Golf de Castilla y León, Federación de Golf de Castilla-La Mancha, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, Consejo Superior de Deportes, Diputación de Burgos, Turismo y Planificación Costa del Sol, Bodegas Juan Gil, Kyocera, Mahou San Miguel, Solán de Cabras and Hotel Ceres.

Photo : Alps Tour / Nathan Cardet

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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