France
The 2025 European Young Masters takes place this week in France.
Getting underway on Thursday, 121 competitors representing 34 different countries will compete in the 30th edition of the championship which is set to feature the best U16 players from across the continent.
Here’s everything you need to know before the event gets underway on Thursday:
ABOUT THE EVENT
The event was first played in 1995, when Sergio Garcia won the Boys' title in the inaugural edition. Numerous other other notable players have competed in the event in the past including Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm, Carlota Ciganda, Suzann Pettersen, Georgia Hall and Matt Fitzpatrick.
The event is played over three rounds of stroke play, with each country sending up to four players (two boys and two girls). On top of the individual boys' and girls' categories, medals are also awarded for the Nations' Cup, a mixed-team classification. The team score is made up of the three lowest stroke play scores out of four each day. 28 countries this year are represented by at least three players and will compete for the team trophy.
France enter the event having won both of the last two Nations' Cups, and will look to make it a 'three-peat' on home soil this week. Despite a completely new team compared to their victory last year, the French four look strong on paper again, and could likely be favourites for another team title this year.
THE VENUE
Racing Club de France (RCF) La Boulie, is one of the most historic and prestigious golf clubs in France. Located in Versailles, just outside Paris, the club was founded in 1901 and has long been a cornerstone of French golfing tradition. It features three courses, with the standout being La Vallée, a demanding and beautifully designed layout originally crafted by Willie Park Jr. Known for its narrow fairways, mature trees, and steep slopes.
La Vallée has hosted many major tournaments, including 19 editions of the Open de France and will provide the test for Europe’s top U16 players this week. The course record of 61 is still held by Severiano Ballasteros, which was set during the Pro-Am of the French Open in 1986.
DEFENDING CHAMPION RETURNS
What's normally a rare occurrence due to the age category of the tournament, Annabel Peaford will be present to defend her girls' title in France this week.
The English player lapped the field at Penati Golf Resort in Slovakia last year, finishing on an extraordinary 54-hole total of -20 for a 7-shot victory.
Peaford has also shown good form in recent weeks, claiming medalist honours at the stroke play qualifying of the European Girls' Team Championship at Slaley Hall which features most of the continent's top U18 players.
She would become the first player since Carlota Ciganda (ESP), 20 years ago, to successfully defend the title should she claim the top spot on the girls' podium again this week.
LIVESCORING/ MEDIA
Tee times, livescoring, stats, media and more can be followed throughout the week on the championship webpage here:
https://www.ega-golf.ch/content/european-young-masters
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