25th July 2025 | Alps Tour Golf
Victor Dubuisson and Rudy Sautron (am) Lead After Round 1 at the 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners.
Biarritz, July 25th, 2025- After the opening round of the 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners, the leaderboard is tightly packed. France’s Victor Dubuisson, alongside amateur Rudy Sautron, share the lead with an impressive 7 under-par,62. In a closely contested race, there is a 6-way tie for 3rd place at 6 under-par, featuring the Netherlands’ Lars Keunen and Jerry Ji, Italy’s Matteo Cristoni, France’s Benjamin Kedochim and amateur Louka Morin, and Ireland’s Ronan Mullarney.
The 126th edition of the Biarritz Cup marks a historic milestone, as the prestigious amateur tournament is co-sanctioned with the Alps Tour for the first time. Held at the iconic Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, it brings together leading amateurs and professionals from across Europe, enhancing its competitive stature and international appeal. Founded in 1899, the Biarritz Cup is Continental Europe’s oldest amateur event and has seen champions such as José María Olazábal and Jorge Campillo grace its fairways.
This week’s event plays a pivotal role in the Alps Tour season, with players competing not only for the tournament title but also for crucial points in the Order of Merit. The top five at the end of the 2025 season will earn their cards for the 2026 HotelPlanner Tour, while the top six players (including amateurs), up to ten not otherwise exempt, after this week’s event, will receive exemptions into Stage 1 of the 2025 DP World Tour Qualifying School. With only a few events remaining before the Alps Tour Grand Final, the pressure is mounting for those chasing a spot among the Tour’s elite.
Round 1 Player Quotes
Former Ryder Cup player and two-times DP World Tour winner, France’s Victor Dubuisson, 35, is in a share of the lead after the opening round of the 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners with a 7 under-par, 62. Known for his exceptional short game and composure under pressure, Dubuisson brings valuable experience to the event. A standout in European golf, his rare appearance on the Alps Tour gives younger players a chance to compete alongside one of France’s top professionals. He carded a bogey-free round, with birdies on holes 8 and 10, followed by four consecutive birdies from hole 12 to hole 15, and ended his day with a clutch birdie putt from over 10 meters on the 18th hole to take the lead.“It was a great day today, the course is in great condition. It’s a tricky course—quite short but very challenging. The greens aren’t easy to read,” Dubuisson said. “I started well on the first few holes, even though I missed some putts, but I stayed patient as I was hitting the ball really well. I left a few birdie putts out there, but I made two good birdies at the end, so overall I’m happy with the day.” Reflecting on his final putt, Dubuisson added, “On 18, I was between two clubs, my 52 and my wedges. The out-of-bounds is only a few meters behind the green, so I went with the shorter club, knowing I could be a maximum of 10 meters short. In the end, I was 15 meters short but made a solid birdie putt. It was a perfect putt, and with all the putts I left out there today, it was a great way to finish.”
French amateur Rudy Sautron, 19, shares the lead with Victor Dubuisson after an impressive opening round of 7-under-par 62. Sautron delivered a flawless, bogey-free performance with birdies at holes 1, 6, 10, 11, and 15, and capped off his round in spectacular fashion with an eagle on the par-4 18th. A standout collegiate player, Sautron has earned multiple honors, including Big Ten Men’s Golfer of the Week, and recently secured a win at the Indian Creek Invitational. That victory also earned him a spot in the upcoming Korn Ferry Tour’s Pinnacle Bank Championship.“I’m pretty happy about my game today—I shot a good 7 under,” said Sautron. “On this golf course, you need to hit some good shots and make some good putts, and that’s what I was able to do, especially on the back nine. I missed some short putts throughout the day, but the eagle on 18 cancelled all my misses.” Reflecting on the dramatic finish, Sautron added: “I hit a good drive on 18 and put it to 50 feet for eagle and made it, so it was an easy jump from 5 under to 7 under. It was incredible and definitely allows me to bring some good momentum into tomorrow.”
Round 1 Co-Leader at the 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners, France’s Rudy Sautron (am) Photo Credits: Alps Tour Golf
In a 6-way tie for 3rd place after the first round, all at 6 under-par, 63, are: Lars Keunen and Jerry Ji from the Netherlands; Italy’s Matteo Cristoni; Benjamin Kedochim from France, alongside his compatriot Louka Morin(amateur) and Ireland’s Ronan Mullarney.
Lars Keunen is a two-time Alps Tour winner, with titles at the 2020 Ein Bay Open and the 2023 Tenerife Pro Golf Open. Jerry Ji secured his first professional title at the 2025 Aravell Golf Andorra Open by Creand, while Italy’s Matteo Cristoni is still seeking his maiden Alps Tour victory this week. Benjamin Kedochim, the 2024 Alps Tour Order of Merit winner, earned one of the coveted 2025 HotelPlanner Tour cards. Competing this week in his hometown of Biarritz, Kedochim delivered six top-three finishes during the 2024 season, demonstrating remarkable consistency despite not claiming a win. Amateur Louka Morin, also from France, is a rising talent who made headlines in 2024 by becoming the first French player to win the Scottish Boys Open Championship—a milestone achieved just days before his 18th birthday. Ireland’s Ronan Mullarney, meanwhile, claimed two victories during the 2023 season, which secured him the Order of Merit title and promotion to the 2024 HotelPlanner Tour.
With the race intensifying and the stakes high, all the players will face increasing pressure to make their move in Round 2 as they seek to improve their positions and contend for the title.
Format & Prize Fund
The 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners will be played as a 54 holes stroke play tournament where a cut will be made after 36 holes to the top 30 professional players and ties plus amateurs within the cut.
The prize fund will distribute € 47.500 (to professionals only) and 45,000 Order of Merit points for Alps Tour members. The winner will earn €7,600 and 6,525 Order of Merit points.
The Course
Nestled in the heart of the Basque Coast in France, Golf de Biarritz Le Phare is one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses in continental Europe. Established in 1888, the course was designed by the renowned architect Willie Dunn and offers a unique blend of tradition, elegance, and technical challenge.
Golf de Biarritz Le Phare may not be the longest course, but it demands strategic precision and mastery of the short game. Its beautifully manicured fairways wind through a rolling parkland layout, lined with century-old trees and offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The course is defined by its undulating greens, clever bunkering, and constant coastal breezes that test players’ skill and adaptability.
Situated just minutes from the vibrant city center of Biarritz, Golf de Biarritz Le Phare seamlessly combines the charm of a historic venue with modern amenities. With over a century of competitive legacy, it continues to host prestigious tournaments and welcomes golfers from around the world in pursuit of excellence, challenge, and timeless golfing heritage.
Tournament Promoter and Sponsors
The 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners is promoted and organized by the Sports Association of the Biarritz Golf Club.
The 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners is supported by C&S Partners, GolfPlus, Banque Privée Pyrénées Gascogne, Birdie l’Agence, Afflelou, and Volvo SIPA Anglet.
Round 1 Photos are available here – Please Credit: Pierre Chabot for all usage.
Alps Tour Media Contact- Alice Barbieri: [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.
#2025AlpsTourSeason
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22nd July 2025 | Alps Tour Golf
Welcome to the 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners.
Biarritz, July 22nd, 2025- The Alps Tour heads to Biarritz, located on France’s stunning southwestern Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, nestled in the heart of the Basque Country near the Spanish border. This week marks the 14th tournament of the 2025 season: the Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners.
This edition is particularly special, as for the first time in its storied history, the Biarritz Cup, an elite amateur event which celebrates its 126th edition, is co-sanctioned with the Alps Tour. Hosted at the iconic Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, the event will bring together a mix of top-tier amateurs and professional players from across Europe and beyond, further elevating its competitive prestige and international profile. With its rich legacy and scenic coastal setting, the tournament remains a cornerstone of elite golf in the region.
Founded in 1899 by England’s Stewart Clark, the Biarritz Cup holds the distinction of being Continental Europe’s oldest amateur tournament. Its historic fairways have seen the rise of many renowned champions, including José María Olazábal, Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño, Álvaro Quirós, Mike Lorenzo-Vera, and Jorge Campillo. For over a century, it has welcomed the greatest talents in European and International amateur golf.
Adding to the week’s festivities, the Volvo Pro-Am, organized by the Golf Club Association, will take place on Wednesday, July 23rd, with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. local time, featuring 26 teams.
The Field
A highly competitive field is confirmed for this week’s 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners, with 120 male participants equally split between 60 top amateurs and 60 Alps Tour players. In a separate tournament, 36 amateur ladies’ players will also be competing.
All 10 players currently ranked in the Top 10 of the Alps Tour Order of Merit are set to compete in France. Spain’s Javier Barcos, the current leader, headlines the field, followed closely by Italy’s Jacopo Vecchi Fossa in second. Spain’s Alvaro Hernandez Cabezuela, ranked third, and compatriot Javier Calles Roman, in fourth, will also be in action. France’s Quentin Debove currently holds fifth position, with Italy’s Andrea Romano in sixth. Ireland’s Ronan Mullarney sits seventh, followed by Spain’s Asier Aguirre Izcue in eighth. Jerry Ji from the Netherlands and Italy’s Flavio Michetti complete the top ten in ninth and tenth, respectively.
The majority of the winners from this season will be competing in Biarritz, with the exception of Spain’s Rocco Repetto Taylor, champion of the 2025 La Cigale Golf Open, and his compatriot, Antonio Hortal, who recently won the Alps de Las Castillas. Also absent will be Switzerland’s Luca Galliano, winner of the 2025 Ein Bay Open.
This week’s tournament could prove decisive for Andrea Romano and Alvaro Hernandez Cabezuela. Both players have secured two victories so far this season, and a third win would grant them immediate category status on the HotelPlanner Tour for the remainder of the year.
Adding further prestige to this year’s Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners, former Ryder Cup player and two-time DP World Tour Winner Victor Dubuisson will be in the field. The Frenchman, renowned for his exceptional short game and composed demeanor under pressure, brings a wealth of experience to the event. A standout figure in European golf over the past decade, Dubuisson’s participation marks a rare and exciting appearance on the Alps Tour, offering younger players a unique opportunity to compete alongside one of France’s most accomplished professionals. His presence is expected to draw significant interest from both fans and media, adding to the profile of an already strong tournament lineup.
Also competing this week are the last two Alps Tour Order of Merit winners: France’s Benjamin Kedochim, who won in 2024 and earned one of the coveted 2025 Challenge Tour (now HotelPlanner Tour) cards that was up for grabs. Competing this week as a hometown player from Biarritz, Kedochim achieved six top-three finishes throughout the 2024 season, demonstrating a high level of consistency throughout his performance, despite not securing a victory in any Alps Tour event.
Ireland’s Ronan Mullarney will also be in Biarritz. He is currently 7th in the Order of Merit rank and captured two titles during the 2023 season, which propelled him to win the ranking and secure his promotion for the 2024 HotelPlanner Tour season.
Players at this week’s event are competing not only for the tournament title, but also for valuable points in the season-long Order of Merit standings. The top five players at the conclusion of the 2025 Alps Tour season will earn one of the coveted cards granting access to the 2026 HotelPlanner Tour. In addition, the top six players, including amateurs, from the Alps Tour Order of Merit standings after this week’s event, up to 10, not otherwise exempt, will get an exemption for Stage 1 of the 2025 DP World Tour Qualifying School.
With only a handful of events remaining before the 2025 Alps Tour Grand Final, the race for the top five positions is heating up. As a result, this week’s competition carries even greater significance for the Alps Tour players hoping to secure their place among the Tour’s rising stars.
In addition to the professional players, 60 top amateurs will also be competing in Biarritz. They were able to apply if they met the following requirements: members of the French Teams for the 2025 European Team Championships Men or Boys, 10 tournament invitations including a maximum of 5 pros not otherwise exempt at the disposal of the Biarritz Cup Committee, players not otherwise eligible, ranked within the Top 1500 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking as of July 8th 2025 and players not otherwise eligible ranked within the Top 50 in the “Merite National Amateur Messieurs” as of July 8th 2025. Their participation brings an exciting dynamic to the event, showcasing emerging talent and offering a great opportunity for these skilled amateurs to challenge themselves against experienced professionals.
Format & Prize Fund
The 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners will be played as a 54 holes stroke play tournament where a cut will be made after 36 holes to the top 30 professional players and ties plus amateurs within the cut.
The prize fund will distribute €47,500 (for professionals only) and 45,000 Order of Merit points to Alps Tour members. The winner will earn €7,600 and 6,525 Order of Merit points.
The Course
Nestled in the heart of the Basque Coast in France, Golf de Biarritz Le Phare is one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses in continental Europe. Established in 1888, the course was designed by the renowned architect Willie Dunn and offers a unique blend of tradition, elegance, and technical challenge.
Golf de Biarritz Le Phare may not be the longest course, but it demands strategic precision and mastery of the short game. Its beautifully manicured fairways wind through a rolling parkland layout, lined with century-old trees and offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The course is defined by its undulating greens, clever bunkering, and constant coastal breezes that test players’ skill and adaptability.
Situated just minutes from the vibrant city center of Biarritz, Golf de Biarritz Le Phare seamlessly combines the charm of a historic venue with modern amenities. With over a century of competitive legacy, it continues to host prestigious tournaments and welcomes golfers from around the world in pursuit of excellence, challenge, and timeless golfing heritage.
Tournament Promoter and Sponsors
The 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners is promoted and organized by the Sports Association of the Biarritz Golf Club.
The 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners is supported by C&S Partners, GolfPlus, Banque Privée Pyrénées Gascogne, Birdie l’Agence, Afflelou, and Volvo SIPA Anglet.
Alps Tour Media Contact- Alice Barbieri: [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.
#2025AlpsTourSeason
#raisinggolfstars
#risinggolfstars
