The European Senior Team Championship trophies are returning to the British Isles after Ireland and England captured the titles in Austria and Spain on Saturday.
IRISH SENIOR MEN TRIUMPH AT DIAMOND CC
At Diamond Country Club, the Irish senior men’s team stamped themselves as the side to beat by topping the 36-hole stroke play qualifying, finishing nine strokes clear as number-one seeds. Joe Lyons led the charge with a brilliant six-under-par 66.
Ireland swept past Spain 4–1 in the quarter-finals and then overcame Finland 3.5–1.5 in the semis to reach their first final since 2019. Defending champions France awaited in the decider.
The Irish struck first with a 5&4 foursomes win, before Jody Fanagan defeated reigning European Senior Men’s Champion Rodrigo Lacerda Soares 4&2 to move them within one point of glory. France battled back, taking the next two matches on the 18th to level the tie at 2–2. That left it all on the shoulders of Joe Lyons, who sealed the decisive point on the 17th to deliver Ireland’s first European Senior Men’s Team crown since 2017.
In the bronze medal match, Denmark edged Finland 3–2 in an all-Nordic contest to complete the podium.
ENGLAND SENIOR WOMEN CLINCH WIN IN SPAIN
At the European Senior Women’s Team Championship in Spain, Germany and defending champions France set the early standard in stroke play qualifying at Pula Golf Resort. England, seeded third after the 36 holes, were handed a tough test in the quarter-finals against Spain. Rising to the challenge, the English side swept past the host nation’s team 4–1 to book their place in the last four.
The semi-final brought a clash with France, who had looked formidable throughout the week. England held their nerve, producing a composed display to earn a 3.5–1.5 victory and secure a third final appearance in the past four years.
In the title match against Sweden, the English women delivered their most convincing performance of the championship. Not a single match was lost as they marched to a comprehensive win, reclaiming the trophy they had last lifted in 2023.
France recovered from their semi-final disappointment by defeating Switzerland in the bronze medal match, securing the final place on the podium.
