Bad Saarow once again proved why it is regarded as one of Sir Nick Faldo’s finest architectural achievements. The Faldo Course at Golf Club Bad Saarow is a masterclass in strategic design, rewarding discipline, punishing lapses in focus, and constantly asking players to think well ahead of the shot in front of them. For the 51 juniors who arrived seeking qualification for the European Grand Final, the challenge was as pure as it gets: firm fairways, sculpted bunkering, and greens that demand imagination and nerve.
Across three days of competition, the course showcased its subtle toughness. Scores rarely came easy, and contenders needed patience as much as power. Yet, as always, strong performances rose to the top.
Akpinar Leads the Way with Composed Victory
In the overall standings, A. Akpinar delivered a standout performance, posting rounds of 73, 69, and 74 for a winning total of 216. His second-round 69 proved decisive, creating just enough daylight to hold off T. Steinert, whose superb final-round 70 brought him within two shots at 218.
Third place went to A. Kastein, remarkably consistent with three rounds of 74–73–73 to finish at 220, followed closely by J. Feng on 222, and L. Wienands completing the top five at 223.
Boys 16 & Under: Feng Sets the Standard
The Boys 16 & Under division was fiercely contested, but J. Feng maintained impressive form throughout the championship. His steady 77–72–73 performance for 222 placed him two shots clear of D. Kolessilov at 224.
A tight battle followed for the remaining podium positions, with L. Mohr closing on 236 and H. Siebold right behind at 237. With scoring conditions shifting each day, consistency was the true separator here and Feng delivered it in abundance.
Boys 21 & Under: Akpinar Turns Dominance into Division Win
Mirroring the overall leaderboard, A. Akpinar also claimed the Boys 21 & Under title with his winning total of 216. T. Steinert again finished runner-up on 218, and A. Kastein secured third with 220.
Further down the board, L. Wienands (223) and E. Sangovičs (229) rounded out the top five. Despite a mix of low rounds and recovery golf across the division, Bad Saarow’s strategic layout ensured that only those who managed their game with real discipline stayed in contention.
Girls 16 & Under: Kluge Holds Firm
In the Girls 16 & Under division, F. Kluge emerged triumphant with rounds of 73, 80, and 74, finishing at 227. Despite challenges from A. Weicker—who posted a very steady 77–77–76 for 230, Kluge’s strong opening and composed final round proved enough.
C. Archontoglou claimed third at 236, while a closely packed group followed, including N. Nguyen (243) and tied fifth finishers E. Archontoglou and M. von Freital on 248.
Girls 21 & Under: Back Takes Top Spot
The Girls 21 & Under division saw A. Back deliver an impressively consistent scoreline of 75–74–75 to win with a total of 224. L. Ullmann secured second at 230, and R. Stadler completed the podium one shot further back on 231.
Looking Ahead
Bad Saarow once again produced a championship worthy of its reputation, challenging players across all divisions and helping shape the next wave of European golf talent. With qualification spots for the European Grand Final now confirmed, the standout performers from Germany will join an elite field later this year, bringing with them the experience of tackling one of Sir Nick Faldo’s most demanding designs.
