25th February 2024 | Alps Tour Golf
Mario Galiano Aguilar ties the Course Record to take the first-round lead at the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open.
The first round of the 2nd tournament of the 2024 Winter Series, the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open, played on courses B&C at the beautiful Sokhna Golf Club in Suez, Egypt, began this morning at 7:00 am local time from the 1st and 10th hole. Like last week, players can compete under favorable weather conditions this week as blue skies and temperatures that could reach a high of 25° Celsius are expected even if, during the afternoon, some light to moderate winds are forecasted.
Spain’s twenty-eight years old, Mario Galiano Aguilar shot a 10 under-par, 62 in the 1st round of the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open to lead by 1 stroke. With today’s incredible round, Galiano Aguilar ties the current course record which was already set at 10 under-par. He has earned several Top 10 finishes on the Alps Tour throughout his playing career but is looking to break through and earn his 1st win on the tour, “I had the opportunity in a couple of tournaments to win but I knew my game wasn’t ready to win. However, now I feel my game is ready to win and I’m very confident. If it’s not going to be this week, it’ll be another week, but I know I’m competitive enough. I’m very focused and determined on this year’s goal which is to win tournaments.” During today’s 10 under-par, 62 round, Galiano Aguilar made 1 bogey and 6 birdies on the front nine and then added 5 more birdies on the back nine to conclude his fabulous round. After he signed his card, Galiano Aguilar commented, “I wasn’t aware of what the course record was, but I knew my lowest round ever was a -9, so I really tried the last three holes to get to -10, and I’m obviously very happy about it.” He added that he made a change between the 2024 Ein Bay Open and this week’s event, “I usually putt with a marked line on my ball however today I didn’t use it, I just put my ball down with no line and was trying to feel more the line and the aim I wanted. I hope it works well the next two days like it did today. I made this change because last week I hit the ball extremely well, but my putting was very disappointing. Today the putter finally worked, and I was able to put together a good round, I was -4 in my first 6 holes and that gave me good confidence for the rest of the day.”
Francesco Santoni, twenty-five years old from Italy, finds himself in 2nd place with a 1st round score of 9 under-par, 63, and only 1 shot off the lead. He began his round by making 4 birdies and 1 bogey on the front nine and then went on to make 6 more birdies on the back nine to conclude his day. After his round, he commented: “Today was a really good day overall, as you can expect with a -9, but to be honest with you, while I was out on the course, I didn’t realize the round I was putting together. I realized the round I did while coming off the 18th green. I worked a lot this off-season with my coach Alain Vergari. We worked a lot on my swing to try and gain more consistency and the results I saw today were satisfying. I did the first step, which was putting together today’s round, but tomorrow, I want to go out there and keep doing what I was doing today and put together another good round, if not better than today.”
Twenty-nine years old, Benjamin Kedochim from France concluded his first round of the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open with an 8 under-par, 64 and finds himself in a two-way tie for 3rd place alongside Spain’s Borja Martin. He teed off on the 10th hole where he made 3 birdies and 1 eagle. After making the turn, he went on to make 4 more birdies and 1 bogey to conclude his day. Kedochim has earned a number of top 5 finishes in his career but is looking to capture his 1st title: “I’ve been close several times in the past 2 years to earn a win but I don’t think I was missing something specific I just need to keep playing my best every day and sometimes you have a little extra luck which is what you need to win and other times you won’t get it.” He also explained that: “today I began the day with a few lip outs, but I tried to stay in the moment as I told myself they will drop so I tried to stay patient. I’m really trying to play shot by shot like I did last season and made a good putt on 14 which got me into the round. I struggled with my putting during the first event of the season, so I worked a lot on it before we started this tournament and I’m pleased with the results I saw today. I had a stretch of 6 holes where I made 3 big putts and that helped a lot.”
Spain’s twenty-four-year-old Borja Martin is the 2nd player in the two-way tie for 3rd place at 8 under-par with a great bogey-free round. He made 1 birdie on the front nine for a front-nine score of 35 and after making the turn at 1 under-par, he made 5 birdies and 1 eagle to close out in 29 for a total score of 64, 8 under-par. After his round, Martin commented that today, “I played pretty well on the front side but wasn’t able to take advantage of a couple of good situations I had. However, on the back nine, I kept hitting good shots and was able to make some important putts. On the few holes I hit a few bad tee shots, I managed to recover and made par on those holes.” He found that the conditions at Sokhna Golf Club, “were great. The wind made a few holes a bit tougher on the front nine, but it stopped for the back nine luckily. The main difference I found is if you play in the morning, the greens are nicer, while in the afternoon, it’s tougher to make putts.”
The competitors in this week’s event are battling it out for an overall prize fund of €40.000 and 45,000 Order of Merit points.
The winner of the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open will earn €5,800 and 6,525 Order of Merit points.
Round 2
The second round of the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open will begin again at 7:00 am local time from the 1st and 10th hole. Once Round 2 is completed, a cut will be made to the top 40 players and ties.
The first-round leader, Mario Galiano Aguilar will begin his second round of the tournament at 12:00pm local time from the 1st hole.
Tournament Promoter-
The 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open appreciates the support of: Sokhna Golf Club, Ein Bay, Hassan Allam Properties, TPC- Touristic Promotion Company, Jaz Hotel Little Venice, and Coca Cola Egypt.
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22nd February 2024 | Alps Tour Golf
Aymeric Laussot wins the 2024 Ein Bay Open!
Egypt, February 22nd, 2024– France’s Aymeric Laussot wins his first title on the Alps Tour at the season-opening event, the 2024 Ein Bay Open, with a total score of 14 under-par. Edoardo R Lipparelli from Italy concludes the tournament in 2nd place only 1 stroke back. In 3rd place at 12 under-par, Luca Galliano from Switzerland with a fabulous final round of 9 under-par, 63.
The final round of the 2024 Ein Bay Open got underway at 8:00 am local time from the 1st and 11th hole and the leaders group teed off at 9:17 am local time from the 1st hole. The weather and scoring conditions have been constant for the players throughout the past few days who have been competing at the beautiful Sokhna Golf Club for the season-opening event.
Final Round Player Quotes
France’s Aymeric Laussot captures his first Alps Tour title at the 2024 Ein Bay Open by 1 stroke. He shot a final round of 5 under-par, 67 that included 1 eagle, 6 birdies,1 bogey, and 1 double bogey. Laussot turned professional in May 2023 after he graduated from college. After his victory, he was very happy, “I’m proud of the way I fought today even though in today’s final round I put a bogey and double bogey on the card. You know it’s my first Alps Tour event for me. The past couple of years have been tough for me, but I kept working, and I knew my time was going to come at some point. I’m just very proud of the process with my coaches, Greg Buisson, Antoine Schwartz, and Kenny Lesager. I have a very solid team around me, and we had some goals for this week which weren’t based on the result, but it was to commit and enjoy, and that’s exactly what I did.” Laussot was in the field this week on an invite, “I want to take the time to thank the French Federation which gave me the opportunity to come play this week, I wouldn’t be participating if it wasn’t for them.” When asked about plans for the season, he added, “Obviously, after the win today, my plans for the season are changing. I will focus on playing the whole season on the Alps Tour and hopefully, a couple of Challenge Tour events if I get in. Now the main goal has become to end the season in the top 5 and earn my full playing status on the higher tour for next year.”
Edoardo R Lipparelli, 27 years old from Italy, shot a bogey-free, 6 under-par, 66 in today’s final round to conclude the 2024 Ein Bay Open in 2nd place only 1 shot back. He is a past winner on the Alps Tour, won the 2018 Alps Tour Order of Merit, and has collected a number of top 3 finishes. After his round, Lipparelli commented, “I’m overall very pleased with today’s round. I was able to have a good start, and it would have been even better if I made a few more putts down the stretch. I’m happy with where my game is at so early in the season and my consistency because, if I’m not mistaken, I only made 1 bogey this week. Overall, today, compared to the past 2 days, I think the only major difference was that I was able to make more putts, but I’m excited for the next events and bring this momentum.”
Luca Galliano from Switzerland who concluded the tournament in 3rd place, had the lowest round of the day during today’s final round with an incredible bogey-free 9 under-par,63. That is just 1 stroke shy of the course record set by Matt Wallace of 10 under-par.
Final Round
Aymeric Laussot, winner of the 2024 Ein Bay Open, earned 6,525 Order of Merit points and the winning check of €5,800. He is the current Order of Merit leader.
The next event on the schedule for the Alps Tour players is set for February 25th-27th here at the beautiful Sokhna Golf Club for the second tournament of the 2024 Winter Series: the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open.
Tournament PromoterThe 2024 Ein Bay Open, as well as the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open, appreciate the support of Sokhna Golf Club, Ein Bay, Hassan Allam Properties, TPC- Touristic Promotion Company, Jaz Hotel Little Venice, and Coca-Cola Egypt.
As we are promptly awaiting the first tee shot at the 2024 Ein Bay Open to get the 2024 season underway, we wanted to wish all the players the best of luck for this new and exciting golf season.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android).
#risinggolfstars
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21st February 2024 | Alps Tour Golf
Manfredi Manica moves into the lead after Round 2 at the 2024 Ein Bay Open.
It was another beautiful day for the 2nd round of the 2024 Ein Bay Open being played at stunning Sokhna Golf Club. Play began again at 7:00 am local time with sunny skies and a pleasant temperature. The scoring conditions were more favorable in the morning as the wind that picked up later in the day.
Manfredi Manica from Italy who was tied for 3rd place after round 1, has now moved into the lead after round 2 at the 2024 Ein Bay Open with a fabulous bogey-free 7 under-par,65 round with 5 birdies and 1 eagle. He is 28 years old and represents Castello di Tolcinasco Golf Club. Manica captured his first professional win on the Alps Tour last year at the 2023 Aravell Golf Open by Creand. At the conclusion of his round, he commented on how, “I had a slow start today, I made a birdie on my 2nd hole of the day to get to -5 and then I finally made a long eagle putt on hole 17, my 6thhole of the day to get things going.” Manica added: “I putted well both days, but today, my tee shots were very solid, which allowed me to have better opportunities inside of having to recover.” Most of the players in the field commented that during the day the wind picks up and swirls so you must be careful, Manica mentioned that “the wind was a big part of today’s round. It’s not the same throughout the day as it swirls so you must be careful.” He concluded by saying how he, “obviously I would like to earn as many points as possible to be in the top 5 and remain there for the season to reach my goal to be on the Challenge Tour. Last year I was close, so this year, that is my priority.”
Italy’s Jacopo Vecchi Fossa who was tied for the lead after round 1 is now in 2nd place with a two-day total of 10 under-par. He followed his 6 under-par 66 opening round, with a 4 under-par, 68 where he made 5 birdies and 1 bogey. Vecchi Fossa captured multiple wins on the Alps Tour over the years, as well as winning the 2021 Alps Tour Order of Merit title, which allowed him to earn status on the Challenge Tour. He is 29 years old and currently represents Modena Golf & Country Club. After his round, Vecchi Fossa was pleased with the day, “I’m happy about today’s round, it was a good day. I slightly struggled at the beginning to make some birdies but then as the wind picked up a little bit later than yesterday, it was tougher on the back nine I played better and was able to make some birdies.” He found that: “in the morning it’s chillier but there is less wind. During the afternoon, there is more wind, so it could be an advantage or disadvantage.” Looking at his record, Vecchi Fossa has earned multiple top 5 finishes here at Sokhna Golf Club, he commented: “Sokhna Golf Club is a golf course I believe that if you miss it in the correct spots, you are able to recover and make a good score but if you don’t it’s easy to get penalized. I think that having a good knowledge about the course and knowing it well is an advantage.”
France’s Aymeric Laussot followed his 3 under-par opening round with a 6 under-par, 66 today for a two-day total of 9 under-par and be in 3rd place ahead of tomorrow’s final round. On the front nine he made 1 bogey and 2 birdies. On the back nine he made 5 birdies in 6 holes stretch. Laussot turned professional in May 2023 after he graduated from college. After his round, he commented: “I had a rough start with a 3 putt from 30ft to start my round and I knew it was going to be a tough day as the win picked up and the greens got really firm so thankfully, I trusted the process and things I could control, and it worked well. Tomorrow, there will be more pressure, but I’m playing this week thanks to the Alps Tour and the French Federation, so I want to be present at the moment and not go too far ahead of myself. I will keep doing what I’m doing and I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
Federico Livio from Italy, who represents Golf Club Bergamo l’Albenza, shot a 2 under-par 70 in today’s round for a two-day total of 8 under-par. He finds himself in a two-way tie for 4th place alongside Manuel Morugan. He made 6 birdies and 4 bogeys in today’s round. Livio turned professional in 2020 and is 25 years old. When he completed his round, Livio was overall satisfied even though “I missed a couple more putts and irons today compared to yesterday, which didn’t allow me to make as many birdies as I made yesterday and, unfortunately, a few more bogeys.” He went on to add that he found, “the conditions were different today as there was more wind and early this morning was much chillier.” Livio also added: “To be honest, I didn’t expect to see the results I’m seeing so early in the season in such a short amount of time. I strongly believe that it’s a result of the work I’ve put in with my coaches and a personal change I’ve experienced.” Looking ahead to the final round, Livio plans on: “continuing my routine of shot by shot, hole by hole and I will see where I stand at the end of the 18th hole.”
Spain’s Manuel Morugan, who is in the two-way tie for 4th place alongside Livio, shot a bogey-free 4 under-par,68 for a two-day total of 8 under-par. He is 33 years old, represents RCG Guadalhorces, and won his first title on the Alps Tour at the 2022 Abruzzo Alps Open.
As we are promptly awaiting the first tee shot at the 2024 Ein Bay Open to get the 2024 season underway, we wanted to wish all the players the best of luck for this new and exciting golf season.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android).
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20th February 2024 | Alps Tour Golf
Two Italians are in the lead at -6 after Round 1 at the 2024 Ein Bay Open.
Egypt, February 20th, 2024– After round 1 of the season-opening event, the 2024 Ein Bay Open, we have a packed leaderboard. Co-leading at 6 under-par Italy’s Federico Livio and Jacopo Vecchi Fossa. There is an 8-way tie for 3rdplace at 4 under-par.
The first round of the 2024 Ein Bay Open, being played at Sokhna Golf Club in Suez, Egypt, began with pleasant weather conditions. It was a sunny day with some light winds and temperatures that reached a high of around 20°C. Play started from the 1st and 11th hole at 7:00 am local time for the morning wave and at 11:20 am local time for the afternoon wave. The forecast for the remainder of the week is expected to be similar to today’s round. Therefore, players are able to compete with perfect scoring conditions for the season-opening event.
Round 1 Player Quotes
Italy’s Federico Livio, who currently represents Golf Club Bergamo l’Albenza co-leads at the conclusion of the 1st round of the 2024 Ein Bay Open. He shot a 6 under-par 66 round today with 2 bogeys and 8 birdies. Livio is 25 years old and turned professional in 2020. After his round, he was pleased, “Today was good, I played well since the beginning of the round except for the two bogeys. Overall, I’m very pleased with how today went. During the off-season, I decided to change my long-game coach, and I’m now working with Massimo Scarpa. We worked a lot on my long game, but I made sure my short game wasn’t overlooked. I kept working with my putting coach, Camilla Mazzola, on what we had planned to make sure it stayed sharp. He added, “Over the next two rounds, I plan on doing like I did today, focus shot by shot and hole by hole to be able to put together two more good scores and have a chance at the top.” One of Livio’s goals for the 2024 season is to “conclude the year in the top 5 of the Order of Merit rank so I can earn one of the 5 Challenge Tour cards.”
Jacopo Vecchi Fossa from Italy who has multiple wins on the Alps Tour in addition to having captured the 2021 Alps Order of Merit title, finds himself in the lead alongside Livio after round 1 of the 2024 Ein Bay Open. During today’s opening round, he made 7 birdies and 1 bogey. Vecchi Fossa is 29 years old and currently represents Modena Golf & Country Club. After his 6 under-par, he pointed out on how, “I didn’t play very well today, I struggled a little bit to find the center of the clubface, but I know this course very well, I’ve played here numerous times and I’m aware of the critical spots of this golf course. Today I was able to miss in the right spots when I missed a shot, and the good shots came on the good holes.” Vecchi Fossa also specified that, “this offseason I really focused a lot on going on the golf course and finding my rhythm and really spending as much time as possible on the golf course.” He captured various title on the Alps Tour, however “adding another win would be great, I’ve earned numerous titles throughout my career but starting the season with a win is definitely a goal of mine.”
Round 1 co-leader at the 2024 Ein Bay Open, Italy’s Jacopo Vecchi Fossa. Photo Credit: Alps Tour Golf.
A past winner on the Alps Tour, Spain’s Manuel Morugan is one of the 8 players tied for 3rd place at 4 under-par making 5 birdies and 1 bogey throughout his day. He is 33 years old, represents RCG Guadalhorces, and won his first title on the Alps Tour at the 2022 Abruzzo Alps Open. After his round, Morugan commented on how today, “I played so so, it was a bit of up and downs like a rollercoaster. However, I believe the good thing was that my misses weren’t big misses. My recovery shots were very good, so that was also the key for today’s round. Overall, I’m happy with how today went, I didn’t play my best, but it is a good sign of where my game is at.” He went on to add “I never focus on the win, the win is there but I know to win I have to do things very well, so I need and will keep focusing on my process and routines. I’m looking forward to the next 2 days, it’s a long race!”
Tied for 3rd place alongside Manuel Morugan at 4 under-par there is: Italy’s Manfredi Manica and Filippo Bergamaschi, Scotland’s Rory Franssen, Netherland’s Bob Geurts and France’s Arthur Ameil-Planchin, Antoine Santarelli and Gregoire Luck.
The 120 players are competing for an overall prize fund of €40.000 and 45,000 Order of Merit points. The winner of the 2024 Ein Bay Open will earn €5,800 and 6,525 Order of Merit points.
Round 2
The second round of the 2024 Ein Bay Open will begin again at 7:00 am local time from the 1st and 11th hole. After round 2, a cut will be made to the top 40 players and ties.
Italy’s Federico Livio will begin round 2 at 7:10 am local time from the 11th hole and his fellow countryman Jacopo Vecchi Fossa will begin his 2nd round at 7:40 am local time from the 1st hole.
Tournament Promoter
The 2024 Ein Bay Open, as well as the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open, appreciate the support of Sokhna Golf Club, Ein Bay, Hassan Allam Properties, TPC- Touristic Promotion Company, Jaz Hotel Little Venice, and Coca-Cola Egypt.
As we are promptly awaiting the first tee shot at the 2024 Ein Bay Open to get the 2024 season underway, we wanted to wish all the players the best of luck for this new and exciting golf season.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android).
#risinggolfstars
#raisinggolfstars
19th February 2024 | Alps Tour Golf
The 2024 Winter Series in Egypt gets the 2024 season started.
Egypt, February 18th, 2024 – Since 2022, the new Alps Tour season gets underway in Egypt with three events that make up the 2024 Winter Series.
The first two events of the 2024 Winter Series will be played on two different courses at the magnificent Sokhna Golf Club in Suez. The first tournament, the 2024 Ein Bay Open, will be played February 20th– 22nd on courses A&B. Only 3 days later, the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open will get underway February 25th– 27th on courses B&C.
The Field
An exceptional field is expected for the first two events of the 2024 Winter Series as players are eager to start the season and chase their ultimate goal on the Alps Tour, which is to earn one of the coveted 2025 Challenge Tour cards that are up for grabs.
Jose Manuel Pardo Benitez, Manfredi Manica, Gianmaria Rean Trinchero, and Augustin Holé, who all won on the Alps Tour during the 2023 season, will be in the field during both tournaments. Also, the 2021 Order of Merit winner, Italy’s Jacopo Vecchi Fossa will be competing.
Last year, England’s Jack Floydd won the 2023 Ein Bay Open with a score of 17 under-par. He won’t be in the field this week to defend his title as he earned playing status on the Challenge Tour. The 2023 Red Sea Little Venice Open title was captured by Spain’s Quim Vidal in a sudden-death play-off. Like Floydd, he will not be in the field as he qualified for the major tours.
Among the 120 players competing at the first two tournaments of the 2024 Winter Series, approximately 23 worldwide countries will be represented. The field is made up of 13 amateur players and 107 professional players.
On Friday 23rd February, our traditional best ball aggregate to par shotgun pro-am will take place on courses B&C at Sokhna Golf Club with approximately 30 teams participating.
At the 2024 Ein Bay Open and the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open, there will be 120 players competing in each field for a prize fund of €40,000 and 45,000 Order of Merit points. The winner of each tournament will earn €5,800 and 6,525 Order of Merit points. Both events will be played as 54 holes stroke play tournaments where a cut will be made after 36 holes.
To view the most up-to-date entry list for the 1st event of the season, click here.
The Course
The first two events of the 2024 Winter Series, the 2024 Ein Bay Open and the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open, will be hosted at Sokhna Golf Club in Ain Sokhna, Egypt, which is home to 27 holes of golf. This golf club has hosted Alps Tour events for more than 10 years, allowing it to become a point of reference on the Alps Tour schedule.
The players competing for the 2024 Ein Bay Open title will play on courses A&B as a 6968 meters par 72, while for the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open players will compete on courses B&C as a 6670 meters par 72.
Sokhna Golf Club is a joint venture between the Little Venice Golf Resort, which is part of Hassan Allam Properties, and El Ein Bay, which is owned by Galalah Touristic Investments Company. They joined their forces to create a “real first-class golfing destination” in Ain Sokhna.
Sokhna Golf Club is located alongside the shores of the Gulf of Suez and was designed by John Sanford & Tim Lobb. The courses were built with gently undulating fairways and well-placed water and sand traps. All the courses are known for their technical difficulties and are located near the shores; therefore, players could face strong winds throughout the week.
Tournament Promoter
The 2024 Ein Bay Open, as well as the 2024 Red Sea Little Venice Open, appreciate the support of Sokhna Golf Club, Ein Bay, Hassan Allam Properties, TPC- Touristic Promotion Company, Jaz Hotel Little Venice, and Coca-Cola Egypt.
As we are promptly awaiting the first tee shot at the 2024 Ein Bay Open to get the 2024 season underway, we wanted to wish all the players the best of luck for this new and exciting golf season.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android).
#risinggolfstars
#raisinggolfstars
21st February 2017 | Alps Tour Golf
Rookies Van Meijel and Vacarisas on top in Sokhna
Rookies are leading in Red Sea Little Venice Open. Dutch Lars Van Meijel and Spain’s Lucas Vacarisas (picture) are both -9 total after shooting respectively 66 and 69.
Van Meijel, member of the last victorious Palmer Cup, was in contention last week during the first event of the season. This experience can help him to improve his 4th recorded last week.
« It was really cold this morning but I started really well, I was 4 under through 6 holes. So I thought it would be a pretty low round. Afterward I did not hit that many good shots but that was good enough and the par 5 I birdied.
Tomorrow I am just gonna go play the same I have the last 5 rounds and we will see. It is fun here because there are a lot of players I played with as an amateur and there 3 Dutch guys so it doesn’t really change now that I am professional »
Vacarisas, 18, holed 6 birdies during his round but had some trouble on a couple of holes. He admitted he could feel the pressure of being on top of the leaderboard.
« My day was good but I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the round. But I tried to stay calm and be patient and after 4 holes I started to play my game. I hope I will be able to play the same tomorrow and to hole the putts same as today. There is one round left and if I manage to play my game I have a chance to win. »
Last week winner, France’s Julien Brun is tie for 18th place with -2 total.
19th April 2016 | Alps Tour Golf
Alumni and Members back to Sokhna
The leaders of the Alps Tour order of merit are back to Egypt this week thanks to their results in 2016. Franck Daux won back to back event in Sokhna last February, Matt Wallace wont the event in Cairo and David Carey, third at the ODM took the final invit. Antoine Schwartz, Alps Tour member, earns his invit thanks to a win in January.
They are more than 30 Alumni from Alps Tour to be in the field this week to honour the Egypt to come back in Challenge Tour schedule. Among them, current European Tour member Clément Berardo who played the Open de Espana in Valderrama last week.
Famous names are on the banks of Red Sea such as 2010 Alps Tour winner, Matteo Delpodio, and past years graduates, Jérôme Lando-Casanova, Matthieu Pavon, Darius Van Driel, Damien Perrier, Gareth Shaw, Steven Brown, Jason Barnes and Victor Riu.
Challenge Tour trusted Ali Mohamed, the golf manager, to organise a great event and Simon Higginbottom, Challenge Tournament Director, confirmed Alps Tour’s knowledge of the venue, thanks to its Director, Estelle Richard, was a great support.
11th February 2016 | Alps Tour Golf
Daux sealed maiden win in Sokhna
France’s Franck Daux sealed maiden win in Ein Bay Open. He signed for impressive 65, -7 to win with a 3 shot advantage over overnight leader, Julien Forêt. A group of 3 players tied for third place : England’s Matt Wallace, Spain’s Daniel Osorio and Enrico Di Nitto of Italy.
It was only slightly breezing today on Sokhna golf course and those fair playing conditions were perfect to expect low scores. Franck Daux took advantage not to be in the last group. He admitted it was a nice position to go for hunting the leaders. His target was very ambitious.
« I knew I was 3 shots back and I figured that Julien (Forêt) could shot -5 so my goal was -9. I started pretty well, I hit really solid iron shots and I managed to hole putts very soon. I made birdie on the 1st, third, 6th and 7th so I turned -4. I saw that I was tie with Di Nitto I think but they were 3 holes behind me.
I kept on saying to myself that it was not enough and I holed a hat trick of birdie from the 10th. Finally I holed two good putts, more then a meter at the end of the round and it could have been different if I had missed them.
I was 3 of 4 times in contention last year but it was too early. You know I almost quit golf 2 years ago but I gave myself one last chance and when I was leading last Spring in Spain it was to soon. Now I feel way more confident and that makes the difference. I am very happy with the work of my coach, Laurent Cabanne. We just came back from 2 weeks in the USA to practice and I am sure it was a big part of my success today. »
With this win, Daux earned an invitation to play the Egyptian Challenge Tour next April.
10th February 2016 | Alps Tour Golf
Foret soars in Ein Bay Open
France’s Julien Forêt fired an amazing 67 in windy day during second round in Sokhna Golf Club. He leads the Ein Bay Open with -8 total one stroke better than Italy’s Enrico Di Nitto and two ahead Spain’s Daniel Osorio.
Experimented Forêt, 33, took the lead after 36 holes in Egypt. The windy was quite strong today on Sokhna golf course and the atmosphere was fresh. Former European Tour player from Neo Caledonia tamed the greens to signed for best score of the day.
« I played really solid, especially with this wind today. I made one or two mistakes but I managed to erase them with a strong putting. I am pretty satisfied with my game today. It was better than during first round. I had scored low though but the game was not that good.
I like very much the course. It is way more difficult with the wind, you have to strike the ball well and there is no room for luck. »
The course is in perfect conditions, greens pace is 10.4 and only the best players could deal with them. Forêt holed 7 birdies and only dropped 2 shots. There are only 2 others players who broke 70 today, Di Nitto, to secure a second position going into last round and fellow countryman Federico Maccario to climb to 6th position.
Tough playing conditions made the cut higher than expected, 42 players at +3.
