Mâcon welcomes the veteran French Open, a first

From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 June 2021, the Mâcon La Salle golf course in Saône-et-Loire will host the veteran French Open for the primary time. 144 gamers over 60 will compete on a 27-hole course.

“It has by no means occurred in over 100 years, and it could by no means occur once more in 100 years.“For Fabien Mercier, director of Mâcon La Salle golf course and restaurant, the holding of the veteran French Open within the capital of Saône-et-Loire is of historic significance. “Normally, this sort of competitors takes place in large cities like Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux.“, he specifies.

Whereas all 144 contributors are beginner gamers, the event is nonetheless an official occasion of the French Golf Federation. Specifically, it permits golfers over 60 to attain factors for the veteran world championships. The winner can even go away with a molding on a stable oak plaque of the “grip” of Ben Hogan, an American golfer who performed from 1930 till the 1970s.

A event impacted by the well being disaster

For a number of years, the successive presidents of the Mâcon La Salle golf course and its sports activities affiliation have been attempting to prepare this occasion. After submitting an utility to the French Golf Federation, the institution was formally designated to host the 2020 version. However the Covid-19 bought concerned and postponed the holding of the competitors by a 12 months.

“With the 2 months of confinement, we reimbursed 40,000 euros to the licensees who got here to play on the golf course“, says Fabien Mercier.”Along with that, we have now invested 70,000 euros within the area. This era price us some huge cash, however a minimum of we had been capable of work on our 27 gap course and enhance it.“In accordance with him, the rivals, who’ve already been capable of spot the monitor, discover this terrain notably”difficult and demanding“.

The director of the Mâcon La Salle golf course specifies that the competitors will probably be held within the strictest respect for well being guidelines. The general public is allowed however the masks is obligatory each inside and outdoors the services. Hydroalcoholic gel will probably be made out there to spectators. On the gamers’ facet, PCR assessments will probably be carried out.

“That is the chance to showcase the area”

Along with gamers and spectators, the Mâcon La Salle golf course will welcome native cheese and wine producers. These will provide tastings to contributors and non-participants over all three days of the competitors, between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

“In the present day we’re internet hosting an internationally famend occasion through which a 3rd of the contributors come from international international locations.“, explains the director of the Mâcon institution.”We should make the most of this chance to focus on our golf course, but additionally native producers. This competitors is de facto a chance to showcase the area and enhance our affect.“

From subsequent week, the Mâcon La Salle golf course may have one other alternative to advertise the area. On July three and four, it is going to certainly host the Girls’s Divisions, a federal event which brings collectively 192 gamers.