Louis Albertse tees it up for the fifth consecutive week on the Road to Mallorca, this time at the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge in France, hoping to continue his excellent run of form as he aims to reach the season-ending Rolex Grand Final supported by the R&A.
South African Albertse started his journey on the 2026 Road to Mallorca in his homeland and, despite missing the cut in the season opening SDC Open, responded perfectly in his next three starts, with finishes in a share of 22nd, 18th and ninth.
The 29-year-old then finished in a tie for sixth in the DP World Tour’s Joburg Open, before finding success in Europe on the HotelPlanner Tour that culminated in a runner up finish at the Interwetten Open.
“This season has been a little bit of a rollercoaster to be quite honest,” Albertse said. “We started in South Africa, and I missed the first cut of the season so not a great start but the three South Africa events after that were solid and that was when I got these opportunities in Europe.
“At first, I didn’t really know if I was going to come over or not but decided to come with a little bit of insecurity because I only had about two or three starts that I knew of in six weeks. The second place in Austria kind of changed things a bit which was great.
“Austria was a long week. I got off to such a hot start, I think through six or seven holes I was playing unbelievably. On the back nine Filip played really well, and I didn’t play my best.
“The win wasn’t really in reach, I think there was a three-shot difference, but obviously for me there was so much to play for. When that eagle putt went in and I finished second alone, for playing in my category that was massive, so I’m truly grateful for that week in Austria.”
Albertse made 18 starts on the 2024 Road to Mallorca, but struggled for form before returning to the Sunshine Tour last year.
This term, however, the South African is showing signs of experience, and has adapted to life in Europe well at the second time of asking.
“There’s quite a lot of difference between playing in South Africa and playing over here,” he added. “South Africa has quite a unique variety which is great. We go to the coast a lot and obviously in Joburg and Victoria playing at altitude is not what you would find here.
“Two years ago, I played on the HotelPlanner Tour, and it didn’t go as well as it’s going now but I think that experience definitely made a big difference. I think knowing the grass especially in the short game is important and playing courses that you’ve maybe played before helps, so I think the experience two years ago that I gained is really helping.”
The South African has also enjoyed the network of fellow countrymen that play on Tour, and that have supported him during his time in Europe.
“It’s nice to have some South Africans that play out here. I’m not the only South African so you see some familiar faces and my wife travels with me as much as she can. I did the first couple of weeks alone but then she joined me in the third week of this six week stretch and that makes a really big difference.
“Playing practice rounds and chatting about things and having money games just makes you feel a little bit more at home and in your comfort zone a bit.
“We South Africans stick together and tend to have a good time, and it makes a big difference to have some friends on tour.”
Albertse qualifies for events due to his position in the top 45 in the season-long Rankings, currently inhabiting 17th spot. This had applied some pressure to him, knowing that if he were to fall out of that he would lose playing rights.
But now, Albertse has his eyes set on more than just full playing status on the HotelPlanner Tour.
“The goals change as you go along. My original target was to get enough points to have full status next year, and Austria gave me that opportunity.
“Now it’s trying to figure out some sort of schedule that works, but the next goal is to get into the Rolex Grand Final Supported by the R&A. I haven’t done that before; I think that would be a massive achievement.
“Everyone out here is playing for a DP World Tour card but it doesn’t just come, you have to have a lot of good weeks so yea I think if you can just stick to basics and have smaller goals that will ultimately get you to the bigger one.”
Albertse is part of a strong field this week at Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge, including last week’s winner John Gough, defending champion and four-time HotelPlanner Tour winner David Horsey, and Road to Mallorca number two Pablo Ereno.
