PGA France Open Builds Excitement with Pro-Am Event in Mont-de-Marsan

Mont-de-Marsan, France – A vibrant atmosphere enveloped the Green of Saint-Avit on Tuesday, April 1st, as professional golfers and enthusiastic amateur players converged for a highly anticipated pro-am event. This prelude to the tenth edition of the PGA France Open, scheduled for April 2-4, 2025, offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes and a valuable opportunity for aspiring golfers to hone their skills alongside seasoned professionals.

The event, co-organized by the French Golf Tour and Road to Arkea, saw 84 professional golfers – primarily from France and Spain – competing on the picturesque Mont-de-Marsan golf course. Teams comprised of three amateurs and three professionals engaged in a day of friendly competition, with a total prize pool of €40,000 awaiting the top performers.

A Day of Learning and Camaraderie

“For professionals, pro-ams are invaluable training days,” explained Bernard Comellas, tournament organizer and director of the Montois Golf stadium. “They offer a chance to assess course conditions and fine-tune strategies under realistic playing scenarios.” He further added, “It’s about building relationships – with sponsors and fellow golfers – which is essential for the tournament’s success.”

Benjamin Kedochim, a professional golfer participating in the event, echoed this sentiment. “It’s a fantastic experience for amateurs to play alongside champions,” he stated. “Some come seeking advice, while others simply enjoy the challenge of competing against the best.”

“Professionals are always ready for pro-ams, it makes them a training day in the conditions,”

– Bernard Comellas, Tournament Organizer

Teams assembled from across the region, with golfers traveling from Mont-de-Marsan, the Basque Country, and Bordeaux. The event’s modest €60 entry fee for amateurs and €100 for those coming from outside underscored its accessibility and appeal to a wide range of players.

“This tournament truly puts Mont-de-Marsan on the golf map,” exclaimed Xavier Dutrieu, director of the French Golf Tour. “The course is fantastic, offering diverse challenges and beautiful scenery – and highlights the exciting events on the tour. It’s a chance to showcase what France has to offer in the world of golf,” Dutrieu added. A video posted on Facebook by the Montois Rugby Pro stadium highlights the event’s success.

Tournament Details & Logistics

Approximately 50 volunteers have been mobilized to support the event, demonstrating the strong local enthusiasm for the PGA France Open. Julien Tauziède, director of the Mont-de-Marsan golf course, expressed confidence in the event’s success, stating, “It’s a challenge to welcome so many professionals, but we’re well-prepared and eager to provide a memorable experience for everyone.”

As the event drew to a close, anticipation grew for the main tournament, promising a weekend of thrilling competition and showcasing the talent of France’s top golfers.

Did you know? This pro-am is part of a broader “logic of highlighting the territory” by the French Golf Tour, aiming to promote local courses and generate excitement for the full tournament.

Pro tip for amateurs: Take advantage of the opportunity to observe professional players’ strategies and course management. You can learn a lot by simply watching and asking questions.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on the pro-am in the comments below!