Damien Ducept - adapting to a new challenges
CPPF Regional Vice President Damien Ducept acted as leader of the French delegation that travelled to Lucan for the IX European Team championship. He was also playing captain of the French mens' team. Fippa.org contacted Damien to get his reflections of the odyssey to Ireland together with a sense of the plans for France to host next year's European Strokeplay championship.
fippa.org: Did you enjoy your trip to Ireland for the European Team Championship?
Damien Ducept: Yes, of course. It was a very motivating challenge, and it's always a great pleasure to discover a new course and a country, a land of pitching, golf and rugby!
The Lucan course is different from those you usually play in France. Did you enjoy the challenge?
It was indeed a real challenge because we had to adapt in a very short time. First, with the rubber mats, but also with the tiny greens, very thick rough, and distances of less than 50 metres, which we're not used to.
What was the reaction of the other French players to the course and the championship?
They were very motivated by the championship, coming to Ireland, and meeting all the teams. They quickly adapted to the course, the Irish weather, and the Guinness!
Your team put in an excellent performance and was narrowly denied fourth place by the Netherlands. Are you satisfied with this performance?
Yes, because one day of practice isn't enough to master the course! And no, because we were tied with the Netherlands and only the tiebreaker didn't go in our favour, so it's still frustrating!
How much pleasure did the French women's team derive from competing in the first European Team Championship?
The three players on the French team were thrilled with the competition and the challenge. However, we had to organize the trip and select the team a little quickly because we had to confirm our participation by the end of April. But everyone prepared seriously, and they really did a great job defending our colours in the matchplay against Galicia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Are you looking forward to France hosting the 2026 European Strokeplay Championship?
It will be an important competition for the CPPF and for all French Pitch and Putt players. Following the International Pairs Championship in La Rochelle in September 2025, our national trophy at the end of May 2026, and the Five-Nations Tournament in early July, this will be our most important Pitch and Putt event in France. We will do our utmost to ensure all the ingredients are in place for a successful championship, with a well-prepared course, top-notch organization, and a friendly welcome.
How will you choose the host course?
We are currently in the selection phase with two 18-hole courses that meet all the requirements for a championship of this magnitude, namely La Rochelle Sud https://www.golflarochellesud.
Do you anticipate significant French interest in the championship?
Of course, this will be a priority objective for the 2026 season. Our winter competitions, our open courses, our regional competitions, and our national trophy will help select our best players. This will be a very strong additional motivation for the French players!
