French golfers shine at FedEx Open de France

In September 2026, the French golf scene saw significant developments with Matt Fitzpatrick dominating the Albatros course at the FedEx Open de France, securing victory with a four-stroke lead at −20. Matthieu Pavon and Tom Vaillant also achieved notable results, with Pavon posting his best-ever performance in the event.

Tournament returns to Golf National

The tournament's return to the Golf National after a two-year absence was highlighted as a successful event, offering stakes including qualification for The Open, the Race to Dubai, PGA Tour tickets, and Ryder Cup points. The event attracted attention for its high-profile opportunities and the return to a prestigious venue.

2027 FedEx Open de France date announced

Three weeks later, the DP World Tour announced that the 2027 FedEx Open de France would be held from September 9 to 12, five days before the Adare Manor Ryder Cup. This positioning marks the French event as the last major competition on the European circuit before the Ryder Cup, a shift described as a promotion for the tournament.

Ryder Cup participation concerns

The move raises questions about player participation, as those already qualified may need to weigh the decision to compete four days before the Ryder Cup. The European qualification for the Ryder Cup closes on August 22, 2027, with team selections expected to be announced the week of August 30.

PGA Tour announces 2027 calendar

The global golf scene is undergoing significant changes. Brian Rolapp, head of the PGA Tour, ruled out any discussions with LIV Golf, stating there would be no merger. The PGA Tour has also announced its 2027 calendar, featuring 36 tournaments, eight Signature Events, two visits to Pebble Beach, and no tournaments in Hawaii for the first time in 56 years.

New playoff format and alliances

The 2027 season will mark the last year of the current playoff format, with a new "Championship Series" introduced in 2028 featuring 90 players in a final, a season champion, and two weeks of match play to determine the TOUR Champion. The PGA Tour has also joined the DP World Tour and Asian Tour alliance until 2029.

Campaign and golf innovation

In other developments, DS Automobiles, in partnership with the French Golf Federation, launched a sensitization campaign against breast cancer, with an official signing event held at the FedEx Open de France on September 26, 2026. The Beachcomber Golf Cup's 2026 finalists are set to compete in the final on the island of Mauritius.

Automation and market trends

TGI Golf and Power Tee are exploring automation to generate new revenue for golf courses. The American golf equipment market slowed in July but maintained its fundamentals. Attendance in the United Kingdom is returning to normal after a record year in 2025. In course maintenance, autonomous robots from WayPick and WayRake are gaining prominence in the "Partner Club" section.