Photo: DR

Mathieu said “My big game was not there today, I suffered on the first 9 holes. Thanks to good concentration, I made a very good return (+1). It was hard physically, moreover, the field of the players was very good. I am happy to be the best French player and I thank Mr and Mrs Durand for welcoming us so well ”.

Mathieu was already present in 2011 at the Golf de St Omer during the inauguration of the Handigolf school, and in 2013 for the France / England match "Golf HandicUP". A loyalty greeted by the president during the awards ceremony.

In 2nd place, 1 shot, the Belgian Cédric Lescut made too many shot errors despite the terrain he described as magnificent. "I am a little disappointed but the deadline for the European championships next week motivates me". A former golf professional, Cédric suffered an amputation of his right leg above the knee following a motorcycle accident in 2011.

In 3rd place, the spectacular player from the Dominican Republic, Manuel de Los Santos.

A former baseball player who lost his leg following a traffic accident in February 2003, he switched to golf in May 2004, as an autodidact. French resident since March 2003, he has been a member of the French Handigolf Team since April 2005. He was European Handigolf vice-champion in 2006.

He is the first golf player to play on one leg and participate in high level competitions with able-bodied players. He is particularly known for his striking force which is one of the most powerful in the world and which rivals the vast majority of strikes by "able-bodied" players.

"I have tried to wear a prosthesis many times, but I am happier with my crutches."

In 4th place, another Belgian player, Adem WAHBI, just 15 years old. Adem is born with IMC (Motor and Cerebral Palsy) diplegia and is passionate about sport. He practices golf all year round in the "Sport Studies" section of the Golf Academy in Sophia Antipolis.

“This is my first experience in handigolf competition. I'm used to playing with able-bodied people. I like golf because it is the only sport where I can compete with able-bodied people. ”

A young player very promoter who exudes an admirable warm cheerfulness.

â 2nd Series: Winner of the Englishman Tony LLOYD, Index 12,1, (85 - 84 Tot 169)

Tony is one of the best English handigolf players and captain of the victorious England team in 2011. With two hands up to the elbows from birth, Tony loves and practices the sport since always, he was also a very good cricketer .

â 3rd Series: The Turkish Mehmet KAZAN, Index 22, (37 - 39 Tot 76 in Stableford)

In a paraglider wheelchair, Mehmet won the 1st international handigolf championship in Turkey in 2010 in Istanbul.

â Best woman: The Villeneuvoise from Brigode golf course, Albane PAIN takes 9th place in the ranking. “On an extremely difficult second day (87), I was tired by this unusual heat in the region. 3 days of rest with the family and I'm going back to the European Championships with the French team ”.

The Jean-Claude Bavière Trophy, in memory of the first president of the Handigolf commission to the federation, is awarded to the best gross score all categories combined: Mathieu Cauneau.

Frédéric Cupillard, the coach of the France Handigolf team is very proud of the performance of his French players this weekend. Eight of them are selected to participate in the European Championships which will take place from 22 May in Belton in the United Kingdom.

Jean-Jacques Durand, president of the Open and owner of the Aa Saint-Omer golf course, is very happy with the success of this first edition contested on his golf course. The unanimous recognition of the players and their enthusiasm confirms his development objective for improving the lives of people with disabilities. An agreement signed for 5 years with the FFGolf will allow players to come back to savor the warm welcome of the entire organizing team at least for the next 4 years.