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2 July 2025

Belgium’s Hugo Duquaine wrote his name into the history books with a stunning second-round 62 as the Faldo Junior Tour touched down in Belgium for the first time last week, bringing 78 of Europe’s most talented young golfers to the immaculate fairways of Hulencourt in Genappe.

The Golf de Rigenée player’s record-breaking round helped him edge to victory in the Boys 21 & Under division, finishing 13-under par and just one shot clear of compatriot Julian Geerebaert from Royal Zoute Golf Club. Geerebaert put together a superb week of his own, carding a final-round 63 to finish at 12-under and keep the pressure on Duquaine right to the end. But Duquaine’s 62 was the real talking point – obliterating the previous Le Vallon course record by three shots in front of a captivated crowd.

“I was -4 after 5 holes, then made back-to-back eagles on 9 and 10,” said Duquaine, still buzzing from his historic round. “Made a few pars then birdied 15 and 16 to get to -10.”

Just two weeks after hosting the Ladies European Tour’s Hulencourt Women’s Open, the Le Vallon course was in absolutely pristine condition. The 6,690-meter layout, designed by French architect Jean-Emmanuel Rossi within a historic 17th-century estate, provided a proper test for the continent’s rising stars.

The newly renovated design gave players plenty to think about on every hole, with multiple route options rewarding both cautious and aggressive play. From the water-protected par-3 5th to the tricky right dogleg 7th – rated the toughest hole on the card – Le Vallon lived up to its reputation as a championship venue that has previously hosted the European Challenge Tour.

Matthew Faldo, Tournament Director, couldn’t hide his excitement about the event. “Hulencourt exceeded every expectation we had for launching the Faldo Junior Tour in Belgium,” he said. “Le Vallon presented exactly the kind of challenge these players need – demanding but fair, and in absolutely perfect condition after the Ladies European Tour event. The entire team at Hulencourt put on a show for us and the players. This is just the beginning of what we know will be a fantastic partnership over the next two years and beyond.”

While Duquaine grabbed the headlines, Belgian golf had plenty more to celebrate. In the Girls 16 & Under category, Carolina Perez-Tasso Rodriguez from Hulencourt claimed top honours with a brilliant 13-under total of 203, matching Duquaine’s winning score. She finished well clear of Laetitia Vandeplas (Royal Bercuit Golf Club) and Ashling Poynton (Rinkven), who tied for second at 6-over par.

The Boys 16 & Under division saw Arthur Haghedooren from Royal Keerbergen Golf Club show real grit to win at 4-under par. After opening with a 75, he bounced back with rounds of 68 and 69 to edge out Louis Dirickx (Rinkven International Golf Club) and Jules De Langhe (Koksijde Ter Hille), who tied for second at 3-over.

Emma Defleur from Golf de Rigenée continued the Belgian success story in the Girls 21 & Under, winning at 4-under par ahead of Eva Nijenhuis from Houtrak, who finished at 4-over par.

For Duquaine, the week represented something bigger than just another victory. “Having the Faldo Series in Belgium and playing in a 3-round tournament with WAGR points is a great opportunity for us,” he reflected.

The tournament ran like clockwork thanks to the dedication of General Manager Palmo Venneri, President Patrick Solvay, and the rest of the Hulencourt team. Their attention to detail created an atmosphere that felt truly professional, with families and coaches all taking in the occasion.

This debut event marks the start of an exciting partnership between Hulencourt and the Faldo Series. With the venue committed to hosting for the next two seasons, there’s real momentum building for junior golf in Belgium.

The winners – Duquaine, Haghedooren, Perez-Tasso Rodriguez and Defleur – now have their sights set on the 29th European Grand Final in Al Ain this November, where they’ll compete against the best junior golfers from across Europe.

If last week’s action at Hulencourt is anything to go by, Belgian golf has some serious talent coming through the ranks. The future looks bright, and with a venue like Hulencourt backing junior golf, these young players have the perfect platform to develop their games.

Pictured below (left to right): Arthur Haghedooren, Carolina Perez-Tasso Rodriguez, Hugo Duquaine, Emma Defleur

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