Mullarney fires nine under 60 to lead Biarritz Cup

Ronan Mullarney carded a sensational nine under 60 to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Alps Tour’s 2025 Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners.

The Galway man (29) made seven birdies and an eagle to lead on 15 under from French amateur Rudy Sautron, with former Ryder Cup player Victor Dubuisson four behind in a tie for fourth after a 65.

“I’m delighted with how I played today,” said Mullarney, who opened with a 63 at Golf de Biarritz Le Phare. 

“I shot a decent score yesterday, but it wasn’t as clean as it was today. It was a little bit less of a struggle, and a few more putts dropped, so I was happy.” 

He credited his preparation for the performance, adding: “I studied the course a bit before I came here, and I truly believe this is a strategy golf course—it’s not very long.

“I was able to set my strategy ahead of time, and now I’m putting it into play as much as possible, relying on my wedges and putting.” 

Despite the strong finish, there was a hint of unfinished business. 

“It would have been nice to drop the last putt on 18, but I guess it sums up golf pretty well when you shoot 60 and still feel a bit disappointed,” Mullarney reflected. 

“Hopefully, tomorrow I can put together something similar.”

Italy’s Matteo Cristoni sits alone in third place on 12 under-par while Dubuisson, Augustin Holé and Quentin Debove are a shot further back.

A win for seventh-ranked Mullarney, who topped the Alps Tour rankings in 2023, would catapult him into position to win one of five HotelPlanner Tour cards.

Robert Moran, who is 20th in the Order of Merit, shot 67 to share 19th on seven under while a 66 left Michael Young a shot further back in 25th.

Royal Dublin’s Hugh Foley, who is 21st in the Order of Merit, carded a disappointing 70 to miss the five under par cut by four strokes

Sautron is a standout collegiate golfer at the University of Nebraska who has earned multiple accolades, including Big Ten Men’s Golfer of the Week.

He recently claimed victory at the Indian Creek Invitational, which secured him a start at the Korn Ferry Tour’s upcoming Pinnacle Bank Championship. 

“I plan to turn professional in two years after I finish my degree in Nebraska,” Sautron said.

Ideally, I’d like to pursue the Korn Ferry Tour in the U.S. But no, even if I win tomorrow, I promised myself I’d complete my college degree first.” 

The Final Round will begin at 7:30 a.m. local time, and the winner will earn €7,600 and 6,525 Order of Merit points.