European golf - and in particular the close-knit professional scene in France - is mourning the loss of former European Tour player Michel Tapia, who died following a heart attack on Tuesday August 7. He was 54.
Having turned professional in 1974, Michel would go on to play seven full seasons on The European Tour from 1982-88 as well as represent France in the World Cup (1984 and 1985) and Alfred Dunhill Cup (1985 and 1987). He also played for the Continent of Europe in the 1984 Hennessy Cognac Cup.
It was in 1985 that Michel enjoyed his most successful year, finishing 75th on The European Tour Order of Merit and registering a career-best result of tied seventh in the Tunisian Open, while also securing a share of 15th place in that year’s World Cup when partnering Bernard Pascassio.
The following year he won the French National title and in 1991 came close to another victory on home soil, this time finishing runner-up to compatriot Roger Sabarros at the Bulles Laurent Perrier tournament on the Challenge Tour.
When he was not playing the proud Basque – he was born in Tarbes close to the French border with Spain - was in much demand as a golf instructor and, despite being heavily affected by diabetes in his later years, he continued to teach at Seignosse Golf Course, approximately 40km north of Biarritz, right up until his death last week.
He leaves behind wife Maria-Christine and sons Xabi and Pampi.
