Victor Dubuisson, hailed as a golf prodigy, is living up to the expectations placed on him. He won his first European tournament in Turkey ahead of Woods and others. Finished third in Dubai behind the current world number one Henrik Stenson, the Frenchman has no limits. At 23, the native of the French Riviera is making a sensational entrance onto the world stage.
Everything began in 2005 for this golf prodigy. At the age of 15, he became the youngest player to participate in an European Tour event. The following year, he became the champion of France before going on to win the European Amateur Championship at 19.
With a unique playing style, he gained international recognition in 2010 with his World Amateur Champion title. There was added pressure for a golfer already propelled among the best by the world of the small white ball. It took him three years to assert and confirm his status. Often criticized for his unique training program or his silence in the media, his discretion sometimes came across as arrogance. Wrongly so. Roger Damiano, the former coach of the Cannes native, is best positioned to talk about it, “I’ve known him since he was 13. He has always had good behavior on the course. Then, Victor and I have had our ups and downs.
We stopped our collaboration several times to resume it later. It’s just how it is.” Proof of the cautiousness of his entourage on this matter, Roger Damiano does not wish to elaborate further on his former protégé’s attitude. Fired in 2009 at the Cannes-Mougins golf club, Victor Dubuisson is considered a discreet member.
Marylin Eynaud, the club’s sports manager, remembers a kind boy: “He regularly came to train here. You could feel he was enjoying himself on the course. He came to hit a few balls for the club’s 90th anniversary. I congratulated him, and he thanked me shyly. I think he doesn’t like the posh side present in the golf environment. Quite simply.”
A Top 10 World Level
Beyond his temperament, it is his level of play that impresses. With style, class, and talent, he has revived French golf, dormant for 30 years. Sixth in Europe and 32nd globally, Victor Dubuisson is on the rise.
Roger Damiano, not at all surprised by his level of play, sees him even higher: “For me, he has a top 10 world level. He always had qualities ahead of the average. I was convinced he would reach this level.” Unimaginable a few years ago, the Cannes native can now consider participation in the legendary Ryder Cup.
Only two Frenchmen have had the chance to play in this competition. The Ryder Cup, bringing together the best Europeans against the American elite, is the holy grail for all golfers: “This event is well within reach for Victor, he has the ability,” says Roger Damiano.
Riding the wave of success, Victor Dubuisson could become the spokesperson for golf in France. A sport wrongly viewed as elitist but which has so much to offer in terms of emotion.
