News Summary
Victor Dubuisson made a remarkable comeback by winning the Biarritz Cup, just months after announcing his retirement from professional golf. His stunning performance included rounds of 62, 65, and 61, leading to a playoff victory against Jorge Maicas. In a display of sportsmanship, Dubuisson declined the winner’s prize money, opting to donate it to his competitor. This win raises questions about his future in competitive golf and highlights his shift from competition to coaching, fostering the next generation of golfers.
Biarritz, France – Victor Dubuisson made a stunning return to competitive golf by winning the Biarritz Cup after announcing his retirement in December 2023, marking a remarkable comeback for the former two-time DP World Tour champion and 2014 Ryder Cup participant.
After retiring at the age of 33, Dubuisson’s professional golf career had begun to dwindle, with his last season seeing him participate in only eight events, including withdrawing after the first round in his final two tournaments. Initially, he contemplated qualifying for LIV Golf for the 2024 season but ultimately withdrew his name from consideration, stating that he found the solitude of professional golf to be burdensome. Subsequently, he planned to shift his focus towards coaching.
Despite hanging up his competitive clubs, Dubuisson surprised many—and perhaps himself—by returning to the greens for the Biarritz Cup, held on the Alps Tour, a European development circuit. Displaying extraordinary form, he shot rounds of 62, 65, and 61, finishing the tournament at an impressive total of 19 under par. His performance culminated in a playoff victory against Spain’s Jorge Maicas, which he secured with a birdie on the second extra hole, sealing his unexpected triumph.
In an unusual display of sportsmanship and personal principle, Dubuisson declined the winner’s paycheck of approximately €7,600 (around $9,000), opting instead to direct the prize money towards Maicas. His charity-focused gesture emphasized his desire to foster good relationships within the sport, reflecting a shift from the pressures of competitive golf to a more human-centered approach.
Dubisson was granted a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the Biarritz Cup and expressed his gratitude to Gerald Bouhourd, the president of C&S Partners, for the invitation and for his support towards budding golfers. He has built a friendship with Bouhourd through their shared passion for golf and is involved in coaching some of Bouhourd’s players, signaling his commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfers.
Throughout his professional golfing career, Dubuisson amassed about $11.9 million on the DP World Tour and just over $1 million in 29 PGA Tour starts. He enjoyed a peak moment in his career in 2009 when he was ranked as the No. 1 amateur golfer in the world before turning professional shortly thereafter. Notably, he delivered stellar performances in various tournaments, including a memorable matchup against Tiger Woods in 2013.
Yet, despite these achievements, Dubuisson found the life of a touring professional unsatisfying and ultimately opted for a more personal direction, prioritizing human connections over the relentless competition and challenges of the professional circuit. His stunning win at the Biarritz Cup raises questions regarding his future: Will he pursue a full comeback in competitive golf after this impressive performance? Only time will tell, but his triumph serves as a testament that his skills remain sharp and that his love for the game endures.
As the golf community watches closely, Victor Dubuisson’s journey from retirement to victory hints at the complexities of professional sports and the personal choices that shape athletes’ lives beyond the green.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Victor Dubuisson Declines Winning Check
- AmateurGolf.com: Former Ryder Cup Star Victor Dubuisson Wins in Playoff
- Golfweek: Victor Dubuisson Returns, Wins on Alps Tour, Refuses Prize Money
- Wikipedia: Victor Dubuisson
- BVM Sports: Victor Dubuisson Wins Biarritz Cup, Declines Prize Money Citation
- Google Search: Victor Dubuisson
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
