This week marks the second of three French events on the Road to Mallorca International Schedule as the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge takes place at Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil. Here’s what you need to know before the action gets under way on Thursday…
Pathway to European Tour
Five of the last six Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge champions have gone on to win an event on the European Tour. Richard McEvoy, who won the event in 2018, followed his win with victory at the 2018 Porsche European Open on the European Tour the following week, while 2017 champion Aaron Rai has since claimed two victories on the European Tour including the 2020 Scottish Open where he came out on top in a play-off against Tommy Fleetwood. Alexander Björk, the 2016 winner, has since won the 2018 Volvo China Open while 2015 winner Ryan Fox went on to represent New Zealand in the Olympic Games and claimed his first European Tour title at the 2019 ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth. Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston topped the Rankings in 2014, the year he won at Le Vaudreuil, and picked up his maiden European Tour trophy at the 2016 Real Club Valderrama Open de España with a one stroke victory over Joost Luiten.
English dominance
The last three champions of Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge have been Englishmen. Steven Tiley triumphed in a wire-to-wire victory in 2019 as he finished one stroke ahead of compatriot Richard Bland. Tiley finished second in 2018, two shots behind countryman McEvoy who post four under par rounds, including a sensational 64 on day one to claim his third European Challenge Tour title. In 2017, Rai secured his third Challenge Tour title at Le Vaudreuil and as a result his playing rights for the European Tour. The Englishman won by five strokes in France which is the largest margin of victory in the tournament’s history and his winning total of 18 under par equals Richard McEvoy as the joint lowest total by a Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge champion.
Stunning location
The Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil is located one hour from Paris in a beautiful setting. The stunning 18-hole course is lined with century old trees and challenging undulated greens designed by Fred Hawtree. Players will also enjoy top-of-the-range facilities with one of the best driving ranges in France which has 40 bays and is 250 metres in length.
Specialised golf artist
Artwork and furniture designed by specialist golf artist Hubert Privé is seen throughout Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil, with 27 permanent pieces of work present. His work is recognised worldwide with exhibitions in France, England, Scotland, Luxembourg, Germany, United States, South Africa, Mauritius, Monaco, United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Switzerland. A part of his work focuses on turning everyday objects such as golf tees into works of art that reveal an unexpected vision.
