Javi Barcos (-17) triumphs in the Alps Tour by winning the New Giza Open. His first title as a professional, his first title in the Alps Tour. He did it in style, with excitement, in the playoff, and with a remarkable shot that will be remembered for a long time. What more could you ask for?
For the second consecutive week, Spanish golf is crowned in Egypt on the satellite circuit. After the victory a few days ago by Álvaro Hernández Cabezuela, this week it was Barcos’ turn. The Navarrese, who has been a professional for just eight months, already knows what it’s like to taste the sweetness of triumph and closes this season-opening tour with a dream result. His first victory as a professional and his first victory in the Alps Tour.
Barcos arrived at the tournament after a great fourth place in the Red Sea Little Venice Open last week and a good top 20 in the previous tournament. He confirmed his good form in Cairo with two great opening rounds. In fact, Barcos entered the final round as the leader alongside Quentin Debove (-17) and Gato Bertinotti (-14). The Frenchman had also been showing great form and finished in second place last week. A bogey on the 18th prevented him from entering the playoff against Álvaro Hernández. He sought redemption. It wasn’t to be, he will dream for a few weeks about the Armada.
The Spaniard, who finished his university studies in the United States, in Salt Lake City, last May, started in an unbeatable way. Four consecutive birdies to start made it clear he was going all out. He had no intention of backing down. It soon became a head-to-head with Debove. After three more birdies, the man from Estella opened a gap with a two-shot lead, but the 16th hole would squander all the advantage. A double bogey on that par 3 levelled the contest at -17. Two holes remained, and the Navarrese had to steady his nerves after losing the lead. He managed two commendable pars and they went to the playoff.
There, Javier brought out the magic. After a good drive that landed in the middle of the fairway, came the shot of the day, the shot of the tournament. From just over a hundred metres, he hit a precise shot to the heart that missed the hole by mere centimetres. It was a gimme. Debove couldn’t make the birdie, and the victory heads to Pamplona. That’s how you play under pressure.
Another great week for Spanish golf in the Alps Tour. Beyond the great result of Javier Barcos, another five Spaniards finished the New Giza Open among the top ten of the tournament. An absolute feat.
In third place was Juan Salama (-14). The runner-up of Spain 2024 came from not making the cut last week and redeemed himself in style. The Madrilenian was aiming for his first victory on the circuit this Monday, starting just one shot behind the leading trio. However, a solid but insufficient round of 69 prevented him from contending for a victory that would have required a very low scorecard. It’s his second season in the Alps Tour, after 2023, and it’s by far his best result on the circuit. Many things to celebrate.
Another player who continues to accumulate great news is Rocco Repetto (-12). The Andalusian player closes a memorable tour in Egypt. In his debut season, he achieves his second consecutive top ten in just three tournaments, and in the first one, he led the event after the first round. After a tough final round, he finished in the top 20. In other words, three great results. This Monday, he closed the New Giza Open in sixth place with a round of three under par and with two birdies on the last two holes, earning a good haul of points in the Order of Merit.
Manuel Morugán (-11) finished eighth, in a great final day where he delivered the best scorecard of the day in Egypt. The Spaniard thus adds his seventh top ten in the circuit in his more than sixty participations. A true journeyman of the circuit.
Alongside him finished the veteran of the Armada, José Luis Adarraga (-11). At 42 years old, he secured the Alps Tour card with full rights for the first time in his career a few months ago. This week in Egypt, he just gifted himself his first top ten. It’s never too late for the great journeymen of this sport.
Beyond these results, last week’s champion, Álvaro Hernández Cabezuela, managed to finish in 19th place alongside Borja Martín (-7). Just one shot behind are four more of our own: Ruben Lafuente, Ignacio Mateo, Javier Calles, and Victor García Broto. Twelve Spaniards among the top twenty-five.
With this victory, Javier Barcos moves to second in the Order of Merit, just behind the Frenchman Debove who leads the ranking and just ahead of Álvaro Hernández Cabezuela who is third. Mario Galiano sixth and Rocco Repetto are on the verge of one of the five coveted cards that grant access to the Challenge Tour.
