Ronan Mullarney shot a bogey-free, six-under-par 63 to claim a share of third place after the opening round of the Alps Tour’s Biarritz Cup, with Robert Moran one further back on -5.
2023 Alps Order of Merit winner Mullarney knows he likely needs to win at least one of the remaining five events if he’s to push his way inside the top five and gain promotion back to the HotelPlanner Tour, and he intends to play each and every event in the pursuit of that.
A bogey on 13 was the only blemish on Moran’s card, but he more than made up for that with an eagle on 15 and four other birdies and his 64 has him tied for ninth.
Michael Young holds a share of 22nd at -3, with Hugh Foley one further back in tied 33rd, just ahead of the provisional cutline which is set to fall after 36 holes.
But it was a name familiar to most that led the field after day one as enigmatic Frenchman Victor Dubuisson shot a seven-under 62 to take a one-stroke lead before being eventually tied by fellow countryman Rudy Sautron who is still an amateur.
Making a rare appearance in a professional golf tournament, the former Ryder Cup star and two-time DP World Tour winner showed off his full array of skills, including a delightful short game, proving that class is permanent.
“It was a great day today, the course is in great condition. It’s a tricky course—quite short but very challenging. The greens aren’t easy to read,” Dubuisson said.
“I started well on the first few holes, even though I missed some putts, but I stayed patient as I was hitting the ball really well. I left a few birdie putts out there, but I made two good birdies at the end, so overall I’m happy with the day.”
Reflecting on his final putt, Dubuisson added, “On 18, I was between two clubs, my 52 and my wedges. The out-of-bounds is only a few meters behind the green, so I went with the shorter club, knowing I could be a maximum of 10 meters short. In the end, I was 15 meters short but made a solid birdie putt. It was a perfect putt, and with all the putts I left out there today, it was a great way to finish.”
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