30th September 2020 | Alps Tour Golf
Thomas Elissalde Two Shots Ahead Day 1
Salamanca, (Spain), 30th September 2020 – A great birthday present for Thomas Elissalde as he tops the leader board after the first eighteen holes of the Alps de las Castillas here at Salamanca Golf & CC – Zarapicos. The French player, who turned 28 yesterday, entered the clubhouse as leader after his morning round at -8 (64). He previously won the tournament in 2018, albeit on a different course.
« A great day. Not a single bogey. I teed off well, putted well, made certain shots, so no complaints, an excellent day. The greens are sloping and fast which I like. You need to be on the fairway for your second shot here, so my good driving was a plus and then get to the green and sink the putt, obviously, it all helped. It’s a good start to the tournament but it’s only the first round so let’s wait and see. The wind is picking up so conditions will be different tomorrow.”
He carded a birdie on the opening holes of both the front and back nines and with three more on each, he came in with a perfectly balanced -4 (32) in and out.
A threesome are two strokes behind him at -6 (66): Tomas Bessa Guimaraes from Portugal, Jacobo Pastor from Spain, and Mathias Eggenberger from Switzerland. Bessa Guimaraes had a flawless, bogey-free front nine and four birdies. With three birdies and a bogey putting him at -6 arriving at the 18th, he parred to just miss moving into second place. Pastor started with a bogey on the 10th but recovered nicely with four birdies on the first nine. He opened the incoming nine with a magnificent eagle on the par 4 neatly avoiding the countless bunkers on the fairway and around the green. He completed the round with two birdies and just one more bogey. Eggenberger started on the 1st in style with three birdies in a row. He threw in two more for good measure but a bogey on the 9th reined him in. Three more birdies and another bogey on the back to be comfortably placed for tomorrow.
A group of five players are sitting at -5 (67) including last week’s winner of the Alps de Andalucia, the Spanish player, Lucas Vacarisas with seven birdies and two bogeys. Michele Ortalani from Italy holed five birdies on the front nine and two more on the back nine before two bogeys saw him drop back. Lars Keunen from the Netherlands, this year’s Ein Bay Open winner, had all pars and a birdie going out. Started heading home with two more birdies, wobbled with a bogey, sprang back with a birdie then an eagle, another bogey and finished with a birdie. Two rookies make up the count, Ryan Lumsden from Scotland and Alexander Kopp from Austria who have both had two top ten finishes this season and who each carded six birdies and one bogey.
Making up the top ten at -4 (68) is Jeong Weon Ko the rookie from France with three top ten places under his belt so far and an eagle, five birdies and three bogeys today.
The weather forecast is for a sunny day again tomorrow but not quite as warm as today with strong wind gusts. Play commences at 9:00 am from the 1st and 10th tees with today’s leader, Thomas Elissalde off at 2:14 pm.
The Alps de la Castillas enjoys the support of Federación de Golf de Castilla-Leon, Federación de Golf de Castilla-La Mancha, Salamanca Golf & CC – Zarapicos, Consejo Superior de Deportes, EDP Solar, Kyocera, Tag Heuer, Bodegas Barbadillo (official wine), Agua En Caja Mejor sostenible, pura y natural, and Jgolf.
Results Day 1: click here
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20th July 2018 | Alps Tour Golf
Frenchman Thomas Elissalde wins Alps de Las Castillas
Alps Tour veteran player Thomas Elissalde (FRA) won today the Alps de Las Castillas at the Leon Golf Club with a total of -14 after a nerve wracking final round which saw three players ended their day tied for 1st place.
Conor O’Rourke (IRL), Guido Migliozzi (ITA) and Thomas Elissalde (FRA) had to play two playoff holes to determine the tournament winner.
The three players made par in the first playoff hole to remain tied. Elissalde was able to pull it off on a second playoff hole by making a birdie and thus winning his first Alps Tour tournament of the season.
« It feels great but this was not expected at all » Elissalde said. « The first hole of playoff was complicated, I had to make a wedge putt from the bunker, it was very tough. I made birdie on the second playoff hole, it’s just amazing » he explained.
Thomas Elissalde, who turned in the best card of the day at -9 (an eagle and 7 birdies), was first to tee off today’s final round with his brother Paul. He had to wait 2h30 before finding out he would have to do some overtime in a playoff game. « I thought the other players would have made more birdies so I was not expecting a playoff. I went to practice for 40 minutes just to practice my golf and to be ready for the playoff » he said.
It is the Elissalde’s fifth victory on the Alps Tour in his five years on the circuit. « I’ve won one Alps Tour tournament each year since turning pro, it’s just great to win five times on the Alps Tour. I just want to share this victory with my friends and family and be ready for next week’s event » Elissalde concluded.
Markus Habeler (AUT), who had been leading the tournament since round 1, made par in the final round to finish in 4th place.
The top 5 of the Order of Merit, the Alps Tour official season ranking, remains unchanged after this week’s tournament. Santiago Tarrio (ESP) is still the leader while Louis Cohen Boyer (FRA), Alexandre Daydou (FRA), Marcus Mohr (ENG) and David Borda (ESP) complete the top 5 of the ranking. At the end of the season, the top 5 of the Order of Merit qualifies directly to play on the Challenge Tour.
Rising golf stars of the Alps Tour will now travel to Italy for the Iles Borromees Open July 26th through July 28th.
4th June 2017 | Alps Tour Golf
Thomas Elissalde birdied extra hole to win in French Indies
France’s Thomas Elissalde won his second tittle in a year after his victory sealed in 2016 in Italy. The player from Biarritz handled the pressure of the play off the best way to defeat his opponents fellow countryman Anthony Renard and Italy’s Alessamdro Gramatica.
The latter had on shot advantage heading to the last round but his could not keep the pace on back nine and dropped one shot on the last hole to give hope to Renard and Elissalde. Anthony Renard fired 68, -3 and had to wait the last putt of the last group to enter extra time of play with Elissalde.
Elissalde was the strongest of the three and holed for birdie to win Open Saint François Guadeloupe.
« To do birdie to win in play-off, it is amazing »
Ugo Coussaud remains on top of Alps Tour ranking despite his week off and thanks to his win, Thomas Elissalde enters the top 5. Adria Arnaus, Lukas Nemecz and Lars Van Meijel complete the top respectively 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
3rd June 2017 | Alps Tour Golf
Grammatica in the race for maiden win
Italy’s Alessandro Grammatica, -7 total, took pole position on his own heading to Open Saint François Guadeloupe last round. Overnight leader Robin Roussel is one shot back neck and neck with fellow countryman Thomas Elissalde.
Grammatica signed for best score of the day, 67.
« I played very well from the tee and on the greens as well. I started a little bit nervous this morning but after a birdie on the 13th, my 4th hole, I felt much more confidence and I played very round during the all round. But I know it is still a long way to go. »
The Italian player will play on Saturday to try to seal maiden win on Alps Tour.
France’s Raphaël Marguery is two shots back of the lead thanks to second round 68. The cut felt at +3 including 2 amateurs Jonathan Haykel and Martin Farfal.
Alps Tour leader Ugo Coussaud took a week of after his win in Paris and none of the top 5 will play final round. JB Gonnet, currently 6th and Robin Roussel 7th are the ones who could take advantage of it and improve their position.
9th September 2016 | Alps Tour Golf
Poncelet and Elissalde neck and neck in Preisch
French duo leads heading to the week end in Citadelle Trophy International-Golf de Preisch. Thomas Elissalde fired flawless 64, -8 to tie for first place with Xavier Poncelet, 68 today.
The two Frenchmen know how to win a tournament. They both engraved their names on an Alps Tour trophy but a slight advantage could be given to Thomas Elissalde who has just won a fortnight ago in Castello di Tolcinasco Open.
Poncelet is very solid. The former Challenge Tour player has been working hard to regain his lost status. He shot back to back 68 to take the lead after two rounds. A similar energy feeds Thomas Elissalde. The player from Biarrtiz already graduated for Challenge Tour as but struggled to develop his best game. His goal is to come back stronger on upper circuit. What does not kill you makes you stronger they said.
Alps Tour leader, England’s Matt Wallace shot 67 to day after shy 73. The latter made history on the mountain logo circuit. He won 5 events in a row this season and is tied for 10th place in Preisch with 2 rounds to play.
The cut felt at level par.
26th August 2016 | Alps Tour Golf
Thomas Elissalde sealed third title in Italy
France’s Thomas Elissalde won his third title on Alps Tour thanks to last round 67 in Open Castello di Tolcinasco for -13 total. At second place Niccolo Quintarelli and Erwan Vieilledent is third on his own.
« When I played my practice round, I told myself that the winner this week would be a proper player! At first place it seems quite long to me but eventually with the hot weather and the fair design of the course, I really enjoy it. I am pleased with my behavior because I have played with 2 big hitters, Andrew Cooley, the first 2 rounds and Erwan Vieilledent during last round and I managed to stay focus on my game. »
It was so difficult to come back on Alps Tour after a poor season on Challenge Tour. It hurts. But, this is the proof that when you work hard, eventually, you get paid. This win means a lot to me. »
Elissalde will be close to top 10 of the ranking and he admitted his goal was to enter the top 5 again to go back on Challenge Tour.
Top 6 of the Alps Tour ranking will be announced later in the evening.
19th February 2015 | Alps Tour Golf
Elissalde snatches Egyptian trophy
Thomas Elissalde (c) Agathe Séron 2014
France’s Thomas Elissalde won his second Alps Tour title as he finish -9 at Red Sea El Ein Bay Open. In a very windy day, his compatriot Matthieu Pavon is one shot back. Frenchman Léo Lespinasse and Spain’s Juan Antonio Bragulat share third place with -6 total.
Elissalde is one of the 2014 Alps Tour graduates. He was leading since the first round and kept his hands on the trophy until the end.
“It was not windy this morning but in one blink of an eye, it became freezy with strong gusts. The temperature felt around 10° C and it was pretty much like home! Teeing of I just decided to try to do a good round, to be patient and to play my game.”
“I have been working hard this winter on technical points to hit the ball longer from the tee and I was really looking forward to testing it in a tournament to see if I was able to drive this way under pressure. It has worked. As the weather this winter in Biarritz was not that great , I focused on long game and fitness to improve tonic effect in my swing. I hit my driver longer. My irons are still the same but still, driving is important.”
“When I left the 15th green, I saw that Matthieu was tie with me. Unfortunately, I hit a very poor shot on the 16th and there was no chance that I did a par. I holed a nice putt for birdie on the 17th, 5 meters and when I was walking the last fairway, I’ve seen that Mat was -8 so I played my wedge aiming the middle of the green to do par and win.”
“A win is a win and even if Alps Tour is not my circuit anymore, I felt pressure and I am happy I managed to deal with.”
Quotes Agathe Séron
18th February 2015 | Alps Tour Golf
Elissalde still on top
Thomas Elissalde (c) Agathe Séron 2014
Thomas Elissalde confirmed his good form and keeps his shoulders one shot higher than his closest fellow competitor, England’s Steven Tiley.
The 22 year old from Biarritz shot 69 today for -10 total after second round of Red Sea El Ein Bay Open. Elissalde, Challenge Tour player this season, won his maiden title in 2014 as a rookie when he lifted the big beer glass Gösser Open trophy.
On his wheels, Englishman Steven Tiley, playing this week thanks to an Alps Tour invitation. The 32 year old player from Royal Cinque Ports golf club in Kent is not a rookie in this part of the world. Tiley won the Egyptian Open in 2009, the oldest Middle East pro event (1921). Tiley best result ever is a 26th place recorded during the 139th Open Championship in Muirfield.
A group of 3 players are 4 shots back of the lead. Alps Tour winner, Matthieu Pavon and Juan Antonio Bragulat and France’s Clément Batut whose best result on Alps Tour is a 9th place last year during this opening event of the season.
The cut felt at +2 and former European Tour players such as Federico Colombo, Andrea Maestroni and Julien Clément did not make it.
17th February 2015 | Alps Tour Golf
Elissalde 2 clear
France’s Thomas Elissalde (c) Agathe Séron 2014
France’s Thomas Elissalde did brilliant start in Red Sea El Ein Bay Open. He fired 9 birdies and 2 bogeys to take a two stroke lead over fellow countryman Leo Lespinasse. The two young men, respectively 22 and 20 year old, live in South West of France in Biarritz area.
Elissalde is one of the 6 players graduated last year to play Challenge Tour in 2015. The Egypt Campaign is a good way for him to warm up before his circuit resumes. Weather has been fair despite coolness in the morning.
Léo Lespinasse had a tough first season in 2014 as he had no full category but he played well during Q School in last December and Lespinasse’s goals are higher this year. The young man shot a flawless 67 card. One shot behind, another Frenchman, Clément Batut and England’s Steven Tiley, playing an Alps Tour event for the first time.
27th October 2014 | Alps Tour Golf
Nino Bertasio, 2014 Alps Tour king
Italy’s Nino Bertasio, 26 year old, won the 2014 Alps Tour ranking (c) Agathe Séron
The 2014 Alps Tour is now completed and the five graduates have been deemed. Italy’s Nino Bertasio, 26 year old, won the ranking with 31 994,20 € and an easy margin of more than 7300 points over the second player, Spain’s Borja Etchart, 26 year old as well.
Bertasio won twice this season, back-to-back titles in Open de Saint François in Guadeloupe and Asiago Open. He recorded two runner-up places and two podiums as well.
Etchart won the Alps de Andalucia on his home soil and finished once second and once third. At third place of the ranking, Autria’s Tobias Nemecz. His elder brother Lukas, 25 year old, was graduated last year and Tobias, 3 years younger, walked in his relative’s steps. Tobias Nemecz won twice this season, the Servizitalia Open and the Open International du Haut-Poitou. He finished the season with solid 4th place at Masters 13 and as runner-up in Abruzzo Open, the last tournament of the international schedule. Thanks to these results, he climbed from 4th to 3rd place at the ranking.
Coming at fourth place, Spaniard Borja Virto, 23 year old, who won two Alps Tour titles in 2014 : Open de Las Castillas in Spain and Open La Pinetina in Italy. Finally, the last spot went to France’s Thomas Elissalde, 22 year old, who won the Gösser Open and recorded to places on the podium.
