24th February 2026 | Alps Tour Golf
Italy’s Andrea Romano claims the 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open after a thrilling final round battle
Egypt, February 24, 2026 – The final round of the Red Sea Little Venice Open delivered a highly competitive finish, with ten players still in contention within two shots of the lead. Thanks to an excellent closing round of 66 (-6), featuring seven birdies and just one bogey, Italy’s Andrea Romano made the difference at the right time to secure his third Alps Tour title, following his victories at the Alps de Andalucía–Roquetas de Mar and the Fred Olsen Alps de La Gomera last season. Having surged back into contention with a remarkable 62 (-10) in the second round, equalling the course record, the 25-year-old sets the tone for a strong start to his season.
Romano earns €6,200 and 6,525 Order of Merit points,
On the B&C courses at Sokhna Golf Club, France’s Nicolas Calvet and Spain’s Mario Galiano Aguilar applied pressure until the very end, eventually finishing just one shot behind the winner. France’s Benjamin Kedochim and Spain’s Alvaro Hernandez Cabezuela shared fourth place, one stroke further back.
The players will return to action on Friday, February 27th, for the 2026 New Giza Open at New Giza Golf Club in Cairo.
Round 3 Player Quotes
Andrea Romano : “I made a solid start, hitting good shots over the first five holes, making two birdies and holing a chip on the fourth. My putting felt really good, especially after yesterday’s round of -10, which I believe was key to winning this week. After yesterday’s round, I just told myself to keep playing the same way, and it paid off. The closing holes were a bit tricky. I made a mistake off the tee on 15 and ended up making bogey, but I bounced back with a great birdie on 17. On the 18th tee, I knew it was very tight at the top of the leaderboard, so I decided to stay aggressive.
I’m really happy with this victory. I’ve realised that when my short game is in good shape, I can put myself in contention very often. Before coming here, I felt okay but not at my best. I had been watching videos of my swing and knew it was good, but I wasn’t feeling it on the course. My long game didn’t feel strong enough to win. But day after day, I became more comfortable and confident with my game.”
Nicolas Calvet : “I feel a bit frustrated, but overall it’s still a good day. I’m quite pleased with my game, especially going bogey-free again despite the windy conditions. I managed to stay disciplined with my routines and stick to my game plan for all 18 holes, which was my main objective. I just tried to remain patient and not get carried away. I did that well, but unfortunately I didn’t putt very well from two to four meters, which cost me a few shots — especially on holes 12, 16 and 18.
It’s still a strong result to start the season, and I’ll definitely take it. There are a lot of positives to build on. My ball-striking wasn’t exceptional in terms of feeling, but I kept the ball in the right areas, giving myself chances. Even with some average shots, I stayed in play and managed things well. All in all, it’s a better result than the sensations suggested, and a solid foundation for what’s ahead.”
Tournament Sponsors
The 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open is supported by Sokhna Golf Club, the Egyptian Golf Federation, Elano, Hechter Paris, Holibees, Mercedes, and TPC – Touristic Promotion Company.
Photo : Egyptian Golf Federation
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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23rd February 2026 | Alps Tour Golf
Dutchman Lars Keunen takes the lead heading into the final round
Despite strong winds in the afternoon that led to a suspension of play for nearly 40 minutes, Lars Keunen moved into the lead just before nightfall. The Dutchman, who previously won the 2020 Ein Bay Open on the A&B courses at Sokhna Golf Club, signed a 66 (-6) on Monday.
Everything remains wide open at the Red Sea Little Venice Open. Spain’s Agusti Quinquilla and Josep Maria Serra Busquet sit just one shot behind the leader. A group of eight players — including defending champion Alvaro Hernandez Cabezuela (Spain) and Andrea Romano (Italy), who fired a remarkable 62 (-10) earlier in the day — are two shots back.
Play was suspended due to darkness, and the cut will be confirmed on Tuesday morning. Following the completion of the second round, the final round will begin at 8:00 a.m. from both the 1st and 10th tees. At the conclusion of the tournament, the winner will earn €6,200 and 6,525 Order of Merit points. In the event of a tie, a playoff will determine the champion.
Round 2 Player Quotes
Lars Keunen : “It was a very solid round, with no bogeys on the card. The conditions became quite tricky after eleven holes, especially with the wind picking up following the delay. My game has been very strong from tee to green, giving myself plenty of opportunities. That’s key on this course, because without the wind, it can be quite scorable. I’ll probably need another low round tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Alvaro Hernandez Cabezuela : “I’m coming off a bad first tournament, so it feels really good to have put together two solid rounds this week. I made a few small adjustments to my ball position and swing, and my driving has been very strong over the past two rounds. My approach shots have also been very consistent. Putting has been a bit mixed, I’ve made some good putts but also missed a few short ones. Overall, I’m very pleased to be back in contention and in a position to defend my title.”
Tournament Sponsors
The 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open is supported by Sokhna Golf Club, the Egyptian Golf Federation, Elano, Hechter Paris, Holibees, Mercedes, and TPC – Touristic Promotion Company.
Photos : Alps Tour – 3MIND – Raffaele Canepa
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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22nd February 2026 | Alps Tour Golf
Spain’s Serra Leads After Impressive Opening Round in Egypt
Egypt, February 22, 2026 – Playing in the morning wave, Filippo Grossi set the early benchmark with a superb 64 (-8), carding a bogey-free round. The Italian made a flying start with five birdies in his opening six holes, putting himself in a strong position from the outset.
In the afternoon, Josep Maria Serra Busquet went one better with a brilliant 63 (-9). The 22-year-old Spaniard, runner-up at last year’s Q-School, recorded nine birdies — four on the front nine and five on the back — to take the outright lead on the B&C courses at Sokhna Golf Club.
The Netherlands’ Lars Keunen, France’s Mathieu Prost, and Italy’s Davide Buchi share third place, two shots behind the leader.
For Round 2, play will begin at 7:00 a.m. from both the 1st and 10th tees. At the conclusion of the second round, a cut will be made to the top 40 players and ties (excluding amateurs), who will advance to the final round.
Round 1 Player Quotes
Josep Maria Serra Busquet : “My whole game was solid. I drove the ball well, hit my irons consistently, and made a few key putts at important moments. I stayed calm because I knew I was playing well and creating opportunities. I just tried to take advantage of that feeling and remain aggressive. I made five birdies on the front nine, and on the back nine I kept hitting driver, which worked out well. I’m very happy with today’s round.”
Filippo Grossi : “I felt really confident with my game, especially on the greens. Starting with five birdies in the first six holes helped me stay aggressive throughout the round. I’ll try to keep that confidence going into the next rounds.”
Tournament Sponsors
The 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open is supported by Sokhna Golf Club, the Egyptian Golf Federation, Elano, Hechter Paris, Holibees, Mercedes, and TPC – Touristic Promotion Company.
Photos : Alps Tour – 3MIND – Raffaele Canepa
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.
#25thanniversary
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16th February 2026 | Alps Tour Golf
The 2026 Alps Tour Season Begins in Egypt
Egypt, February 16th, 2026 – The Alps Tour returns to Sokhna Golf Club to open its 2026 season, as the Ein Bay Open and the Red Sea Little Venice Open once again host the first events of the year. This edition carries additional significance, marking the start of the Tour’s 25th anniversary season.
Introduced in 2013, the Egyptian tournaments have become a well-established fixture on the Alps Tour calendar, providing a demanding early-season test and attracting a strong international field year after year.
The 2026 Ein Bay Open will be played from February 17th–19th on courses A&B, followed by the Red Sea Little Venice Open from February 22nd–24th on courses B&C. The traditional Pro-Am will take place on February 20th at Sokhna Golf Club.
The Field
Both tournaments will feature 120 players, representing 18 nations, including 16 amateur competitors.
Spain’s Alvaro Hernandez Cabezuela, winner of the 2025 Red Sea Little Venice Open, returns to Sokhna as one of the standout names in the field. He is joined by multiple winners from the 2025 season, including Italy’s Andrea Romano, who claimed the Alps de Andalucia–Roquetas de Mar, and Spain’s Jorge Maicas, winner of the Gösser Open. The return of Benjamin Kedochim, the 2024 Order of Merit winner, further reinforces the depth and competitiveness of the field at the start of this milestone season.
Each tournament will offer a prize fund of €42,500 and 45,000 Order of Merit points, with €6,200 and 6,525 points awarded to the winner. Both events will be contested over 54 holes of stroke play, with a cut after 36 holes.
With five HotelPlanner Tour cards available at the end of the season, the opening events in Egypt mark the first key step in the race for promotion, which will culminate at the Alps Tour Grand Final, held for the very first time at Hulencourt in Belgium.
The Courses
Sokhna Golf Club, located in Ain Sokhna along the shores of the Gulf of Suez, will once again host the opening tournaments of the season. The venue, featuring 27 holes, has been a regular stop on the Alps Tour schedule since 2013.
The Ein Bay Open will be contested on courses A&B (Par 72, 6,968 metres), while the Red Sea Little Venice Open will be played on courses B&C (Par 72, 6,670 metres).
Designed by John Sanford and Tim Lobb, the layout combines gently undulating fairways with strategically positioned bunkers and water hazards. Its coastal setting can introduce challenging wind conditions, adding another strategic dimension to the competition.
Sokhna Golf Club is a joint venture between the Little Venice Golf Resort, part of Hassan Allam Properties, and El Ein Bay, owned by Galalah Touristic Investments Company.
Tournament Sponsors
The 2026 Ein Bay Open and the 2026 Red Sea Little Venice Open are supported by Sokhna Golf Club, the Egyptian Golf Federation, Elano, Hechter Paris, Holibees, Mercedes, and TPC – Touristic Promotion Company.
As the Alps Tour celebrates its 25th anniversary season, the opening events in Egypt once again set the stage for a new year of competition.
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.
#25thanniversary
#raisinggolfstars
#risinggolfstars
#2026alpstourseason
