Victor Dubuisson
Victor Dubuisson (born April 22, 1990) is a French professional golfer who rose to prominence in the early 2010s as one of Europe's top young talents, securing two European Tour victories and a spot on the 2014 Ryder Cup team before retiring from the professional circuit in 2023.[1][2][3] Dubuisson, hailing from Cannes on the French Riviera, began his golfing journey at the local Old Course Cannes-Mandelieu, where his grandfather served as an early mentor.[4] He captured the European Amateur Championship in 2009 and ascended to the No. 1 ranking in the World Amateur Golf Ranking that same year, marking him as a standout prospect.[2] Turning professional shortly thereafter in 2010, Dubuisson quickly made his mark on the Challenge Tour before earning his European Tour card.[5] His breakthrough came in 2013 with a victory at the Turkish Airlines Open, where he held off Tiger Woods to win by two strokes in a World Golf Championships event co-sanctioned by the European Tour.[6] He defended that title successfully in 2015, solidifying his status with two European Tour wins overall.[2][5] Dubuisson's most notable international achievement was his selection for the European Ryder Cup team in 2014 at Gleneagles, where he partnered with Graeme McDowell and contributed 2.5 points from three matches, helping secure a 16.5–11.5 victory over the United States.[2] That year, he also reached the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play, losing to Jason Day, and earned a PGA Tour card for the 2014–15 season, though he recorded no wins stateside.[2][5] After a period of inconsistent form and personal challenges, including limited play in his final seasons, Dubuisson retired in December 2023 at age 33, citing a desire to explore fulfillment beyond golf, such as coaching and travel agency work.[3] In a surprising development in July 2025, he returned to competition on the Alps Tour, winning the Biarritz Cup by C&S Partners in a playoff with rounds of 62, 65, and 61, but declined the €7,600 prize money on principle as an amateur entrant.[7][8]Early life and background
Early life
Victor Dubuisson was born on April 22, 1990, in Cannes, France, a coastal city on the French Riviera known for its glamorous lifestyle and Mediterranean climate.[2][9] Growing up in this vibrant environment, Dubuisson experienced a childhood shaped by the region's cultural and recreational offerings, including beach activities and local sports traditions that fostered an active lifestyle from a young age.[10] His family background included a father who worked as a banker, providing a stable professional influence, while his uncle, Hervé Dubuisson, was a celebrated French basketball player who competed for the national team and at the 1984 Summer Olympics, instilling an appreciation for athletic discipline and competition in the household.[11] Dubuisson also has a sister, and following his parents' divorce, the family faced financial challenges during his early years, which later motivated his career ambitions; his grandfather took a major role in his upbringing.[12][13] These familial dynamics contributed to a supportive yet determined environment in Cannes, where sports like basketball were prominent influences before other pursuits emerged.[4] By the time he entered professional golf in 2010 at age 20, Dubuisson had developed into an athlete standing 1.83 meters tall, with a build honed through youthful physical activities that emphasized agility and endurance, reflecting the athletic heritage from his uncle's side.[2][9] His early interests extended to adrenaline-seeking pursuits, such as fishing, which complemented the adventurous spirit of Riviera life and helped shape his independent personality.[2] This foundation in Cannes eventually led to a growing passion for golf during his teenage years.Education and introduction to golf
Victor Dubuisson received his early education in local schools in Cannes, France. He attended standard schooling until around age 10 to 12, at which point he chose to leave formal education to dedicate himself fully to golf, balancing studies with increasingly intensive training becoming untenable.[10][12] Instead, he received home-based lessons to support his burgeoning interest in the sport, allowing him to prioritize practice while maintaining some academic oversight from his family.[14] Dubuisson's introduction to golf occurred at age seven, when he watched the 1997 Masters Tournament on television at his family home in Cannes and became captivated by Tiger Woods' dominant performance.[14] This sparked his passion for the game, and soon after, his grandfather introduced him to golf, serving as his initial mentor and encouraging him to take up the sport seriously.[10][4] By age eight, Dubuisson began playing regularly at Royal Mougins Golf Club near Cannes—his original training ground—where family support provided him with his first set of clubs and membership access, fostering his early immersion in the local golfing environment; he later became attached to Old Course Cannes-Mandelieu as his home club.[4][1] At Royal Mougins, Dubuisson's talent was quickly recognized by club professional Stéphane Damiano, who became his first formal coach at age eight and guided him through foundational techniques until he was 13.[10] Under Damiano's tutelage, combined with his grandfather's ongoing encouragement, Dubuisson developed a disciplined routine of solitary practice on the club's courses, honing his swing and short game in the scenic surroundings of the French Riviera.[10] This early junior-level exposure at the club laid the groundwork for his technical proficiency, emphasizing mental focus and repetition without the structure of organized teams.[14]Amateur career
Key amateur achievements
Dubuisson's amateur career reached its pinnacle in 2009 when he won the European Amateur Championship at Golf de Chantilly in France, securing a one-stroke victory with a total score of 277 (65-75-71-66).[15][16] This prestigious stroke-play event, organized by the European Golf Association for elite male amateurs, marked the first French victory since Benjamin Hébert's win in 2007 and highlighted Dubuisson's rising dominance on the continental stage.[16] The triumph propelled Dubuisson to the No. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) on November 4, 2009, where he held the position for eight consecutive weeks through December.[17][1] The WAGR system evaluates players based on their average performance points from the best results in eligible amateur and professional tournaments over a rolling 104-week period, emphasizing consistent excellence in high-level competitions. Prior to the championship, Dubuisson ranked sixth in Europe and 14th globally, but his wire-to-wire performance, including a final-round 66, accumulated sufficient points to surpass Italy's Matteo Manassero.[16] Among other standout results that year, Dubuisson finished third at the Allianz EurOpen de Lyon on the Challenge Tour, posting an 11-under-par total of 273 (67-70-69-67) in a field that included professionals, earning him valuable ranking points as one of the top amateurs.[18] Other notable amateur wins include the 2008 French Amateur Championship and the 2009 Trophee des Regions.[2] These achievements, combined with strong showings in various international amateur events, led to his accumulation of over 1,000 WAGR points by late 2009, establishing him as the top-ranked amateur in Europe and solidifying his status as a generational talent.[19]International amateur representations
Victor Dubuisson represented France in several prominent international amateur team competitions during his formative years, contributing to the nation's rising profile in global golf. In 2006, at the age of 16, he was selected for the Continental Europe team in the Jacques Léglise Trophy, a match-play event pitting young players from Great Britain and Ireland against their continental counterparts at Royal Golf Club Mariánské Lázne in the Czech Republic. Dubuisson played a key role in Europe's 19.5–4.5 victory, participating in the foursomes format alongside teammates.[14][20] By 2008, Dubuisson had established himself as a cornerstone of the French amateur squad, competing in the European Men's Amateur Team Championship held at Royal Park Golf & Country Club in Turin, Italy. As part of a six-player lineup that included Benjamin Hébert and Alexandre Kaleka, he helped France secure a fourth-place finish in the stroke-play qualifying rounds, behind Ireland, England, and Germany, with the team totaling 873 strokes over 36 holes. His steady play in this continental showdown underscored France's emerging strength among European amateurs.[21] That same year, Dubuisson made his World Amateur Team Championship debut for France in the Eisenhower Trophy at Royal Adelaide Golf Club in Australia. Teaming with Hébert, Kaleka, and Brice Maubeuge, the French squad achieved a tied fourth-place result with a total of 428, in a field of 65 nations. Dubuisson's individual contribution was notable, carding rounds of 72, 74, and 67 for a 3-under 213 total, placing him tied for 13th among individual performers and highlighting his adaptability in high-stakes team formats.[22][23] In 2010, as the reigning European Amateur champion, Dubuisson was chosen for the Bonallack Trophy, representing Europe against the Asia-Pacific region in a biennial amateur matchup. However, the event was ultimately cancelled due to the Icelandic volcanic eruption disrupting travel, denying him the opportunity to compete but affirming his status as one of Europe's premier young talents.[24][25] These international exposures, spanning junior and senior levels, honed Dubuisson's competitive edge in team environments and elevated France's presence on the world stage, paving the way for his professional transition.Professional career
Early professional years (2010–2013)
Following a distinguished amateur career that peaked with him holding the world number one ranking, Victor Dubuisson turned professional in 2010 at the age of 20.[3][5] That same year, Dubuisson earned his European Tour card by successfully completing all stages of the Qualifying School on his debut attempt, finishing tied for 11th in the final stage to secure full playing status for the 2011 season.[14][1] Dubuisson claimed his first professional title in November 2010 at the Finale Allianz de Barbaroux on the French Tour, defeating compatriot Édouard Dubois in a playoff after both finished at 8 under par (69-70-69). The victory, held at Barbaroux Golf Club in southern France, marked an early highlight as he adapted to professional competition shortly after leaving amateur ranks. In 2011, his rookie season on the European Tour, Dubuisson posted three top-10 finishes amid a challenging schedule that included several missed cuts, ultimately retaining his card by finishing 126th on the Race to Dubai money list.[14] He built momentum in 2012 with four top-five results, including a runner-up at the Omega European Masters, ending the year 30th on the Race to Dubai and solidifying his presence on the tour.[14] Dubuisson also competed on the Alps Tour during this period, using it to hone his game alongside European Tour starts, with consistent performances that featured additional top-10s and helped him gain experience ahead of his 2013 breakthrough. In 2013, he secured his first European Tour victory at the Turkish Airlines Open, finishing at 24 under par to win by two strokes from Joost Luiten, with Tiger Woods tying for fifth at 20 under.[26]Breakthrough and peak (2014–2017)
In 2014, Victor Dubuisson achieved a significant breakthrough on the global stage, highlighted by tied for ninth at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, where he finished at 10-under par alongside Graeme McDowell.[27] He followed this with a tied seventh at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, carding a final-round 66 to climb the leaderboard and end at 5-under par.[28] These major results showcased his composure under pressure and marked his emergence as a contender among the elite. Dubuisson's form extended to elite invitational events, where he reached the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, losing to Jason Day in a five-hole playoff after dramatic par saves on the 17th and 18th holes.[29] On the European Tour, he demonstrated consistency with multiple top-10 finishes, including second place at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, contributing to his season earnings exceeding €2 million.[30] These performances propelled him into the Official World Golf Ranking top 20 by year's end, peaking at No. 15 in early 2015, and earned him special temporary membership on the PGA Tour after surpassing $1 million in earnings from sponsor exemptions.[31][32] The pinnacle of his 2014 came with a Ryder Cup debut for Europe at Gleneagles, where he partnered with Graeme McDowell in foursomes and fourballs, going unbeaten across three matches to secure 2.5 points in a 16.5–11.5 victory over the United States.[33] Dubuisson's short game and match-play prowess drew widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as a key team asset. From 2015 to 2017, Dubuisson sustained his peak form with steady contention on both the European Tour and PGA Tour, highlighted by defending his Turkish Airlines Open title in 2015 with a one-shot victory after a final-round 66, and recording several top-10 finishes in high-profile events while maintaining a presence inside the world top 50.[34][31] To refine his game during this period, he made equipment adjustments, switching to a TaylorMade M2 driver and related clubs in 2016 for improved distance and accuracy off the tee.[35] These changes, combined with his naturally fluid swing, supported consistent ball-striking and helped him navigate varied course conditions effectively throughout the years.Injuries and challenges (2018–2023)
Following his peak years, Dubuisson faced significant health setbacks beginning in late 2017, when he underwent sinus surgery to address chronic issues that had plagued him, including severe nosebleeds during play. The procedure, performed in December 2017, led to complications that forced him to miss nearly the entire 2018 season as he recovered at home in Andorra. In April 2018, shortly after attempting a return at the Open de España—where he finished tied for 129th after the first round—Dubuisson perforated his eardrum during the flight home, exacerbating the injury and requiring further surgery and extended rehabilitation. This timeline sidelined him for most of the year, limiting him to just one additional appearance on the European Tour, resulting in a sharp decline in his Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) to outside the top 300 by year's end.[36][37] The injuries contributed to ongoing performance struggles through 2023, with Dubuisson's OWGR remaining outside the top 300 from 2018 to 2021 and dropping to 371st in 2022. He experienced a high rate of missed cuts, particularly in later seasons; for instance, in 2023, he made only two cuts in eight European Tour events, with his best finish a tie for 69th at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship. These results reflected a broader pattern of inconsistency, as chronic ear pain persisted when striking the ball, further hindering his ability to compete at his previous level.[38][8] Compounding the physical toll were mental and motivational challenges, intensified by the isolation of the COVID-19 era. Dubuisson described feeling "very bad" about tournaments, grappling with loneliness from constant travel, and a growing fatigue after 13 years on tour: "I was not mentally in a good place. After 13 years I was tired of it and wanted to have a different life." Post-pandemic restrictions amplified these issues, leading to a sense of disconnection and reduced drive, as he later reflected on the mental strain of professional golf's demands. This manifested in a gradual reduction of events, including 15 withdrawals from DP World Tour tournaments across 2021–2023, signaling his waning commitment.[12] These cumulative challenges culminated in Dubuisson's retirement announcement in December 2023, at age 33, after withdrawing from the LIV Golf Promotions event in Abu Dhabi and finishing tied for 76th in his final start at the Omega European Masters in September. In a statement to L'Équipe, he explained, "I feel like I've reached my limits and I know I can find pleasure elsewhere," citing exhaustion from the lifestyle and a desire to pursue coaching instead of continuing amid ongoing unhappiness. At the time, his OWGR had fallen outside the top 1,000, underscoring the profound impact of his health and mental hurdles.[3][12]Retirement and 2025 comeback
In December 2023, at the age of 33, Victor Dubuisson announced his retirement from professional golf, stating that he felt he had reached his limits in the sport and sought pleasure in other pursuits.[3] This decision came shortly after he withdrew from the LIV Golf Promotions Event in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of his competitive career following years of injury struggles.[39] Post-retirement, Dubuisson shifted focus to non-competitive activities, including a role as a travel agent in Tenerife, Spain, where he described the job as fulfilling his dream of exploring the world.[40] Dubuisson made a surprise return to competitive golf in July 2025, accepting a sponsor's exemption into the Biarritz Cup on the Alps Tour, a developmental circuit affiliated with the DP World Tour.[41] In his first start after nearly two years away, he delivered an impressive performance at Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, posting rounds of 62, 65, and 61 for a total of 19-under-par 188 on the par-69 layout.[42] This score forced a sudden-death playoff with Spain's Jorge Maicas, whom Dubuisson defeated on the second extra hole after both birdied the first.[43] Despite securing the victory on July 27, 2025, Dubuisson declined the €7,600 first-place prize money, citing personal principles and a desire not to deprive a developing player of the earnings.[44] As of November 2025, Dubuisson has not announced further competitive plans, leaving uncertainty about whether this marks a full comeback or a return to semi-retirement while continuing his travel work.[45]Professional wins
European Tour wins (2)
Dubuisson secured his maiden European Tour victory at the inaugural Turkish Airlines Open on November 10, 2013, at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course in Antalya, Turkey, finishing at 24-under-par 264 to win by two strokes over Jamie Donaldson. His round-by-round scores were 67, 65, 63, and 69, highlighted by a blistering third-round 63 that propelled him into a five-shot lead entering the final day, followed by a steady 69 featuring three birdies in the last four holes to hold off challengers including Tiger Woods and Justin Rose, who tied for third at 20 under. This breakthrough win, achieved in his 72nd European Tour start after turning professional in late 2010, marked a pivotal moment by elevating him to seventh in the Race to Dubai standings and securing sixth place overall for the season, while also earning him a spot on the 2014 Ryder Cup team.[46][26][47] Dubuisson repeated as champion at the Turkish Airlines Open on November 1, 2015, again at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal, carding a 22-under-par total of 266 to edge Jaco van Zyl by one stroke, with Kiradech Aphibarnrat finishing third at 20 under. His scores across the four rounds were 69, 64, 67, and 66, with the final round proving decisive as he rebounded from an early double bogey on the fifth hole by playing his last eight holes in five under par, including birdie-birdie on the 17th and 18th to clinch the title amid perfect weather conditions that facilitated low scoring throughout the event. Coming off a challenging year with just two prior top-10 finishes, this emotional victory—marked by tears on the 18th green—propelled him back into the Official World Golf Ranking's top 50 at No. 35 and lifted him to seventh in the Race to Dubai.[48][49][50][51] While both triumphs showcased Dubuisson's affinity for the Montgomerie Maxx Royal layout, the 2013 win emphasized his early momentum from consistent play building to a dominant third round, whereas the 2015 victory highlighted resilience through a back-nine charge under pressure, relying on precise iron play and clutch putting to overcome a mid-round setback.Developmental and regional tour wins (2)
Dubuisson secured his first professional victory just months after turning pro, winning the Finale Allianz de Barbaroux on the French Tour on November 6, 2010, at Barbaroux Golf Club in Signes, France. This three-round event saw him triumph in a playoff against compatriot Édouard Dubois after posting a total score of 8-under par 208 over 54 holes (69-70-69), marking a strong debut on the developmental circuit and providing an early confidence boost that propelled him toward European Tour Qualifying School success later that year.[52] Over a decade later, following his 2023 retirement, Dubuisson made an unexpected return to competitive play and captured the Biarritz Cup on the Alps Tour on July 27, 2025, at Golf de Biarritz Le Phare in Biarritz, France. Entering the final round tied for third at 11-under par, he fired a stunning third-round 61 to tie Spain's Jorge Maicas at 19-under par 188 (62-65-61) on the par-69 layout, then prevailed in a two-hole sudden-death playoff with a birdie on the second extra hole after both players bogeyed the first. Despite the triumph, Dubuisson declined his €7,600 winner's share of the €47,500 purse on personal principle—having entered via sponsor invitation as a retired player—allowing the funds to pass to Maicas and underscoring his focus on the joy of competition over financial gain.[53][41][42] These regional triumphs played pivotal roles in Dubuisson's career trajectory: the 2010 win built immediate momentum on minor tours, helping him earn a European Tour card via an 11th-place finish at Q-School and establishing his professional credentials, while the 2025 victory reignited his competitive fire post-retirement, demonstrating enduring talent and providing a psychological lift amid his brief comeback.[14]Performance in major championships
Overview of major appearances
Victor Dubuisson made his major championship debut as an amateur in the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews, where he missed the cut after rounds of 80 and 73.[54] Turning professional in 2010, he did not appear in majors again until 2014, following his breakthrough victory at the 2013 Turkish Airlines Open and a sixth-place finish in the Race to Dubai, which elevated him into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and secured invitations to all four majors that year.[2][55] In 2014, Dubuisson qualified for the Masters Tournament via his top-50 OWGR ranking at the end of 2013, though he missed the cut with scores of 74-75; he entered the U.S. Open and PGA Championship through top-60 OWGR eligibility and the Open Championship as a leading European Tour performer, making the cut in all three with finishes of T28, T7, and T9 respectively.[55][56] His strong 2014 season, including a runner-up at the WGC-Accenture Match Play and Ryder Cup selection, maintained his high OWGR (peaking at No. 15) and ensured continued access to majors in 2015 and 2016 via similar ranking and tour performance criteria.[2][38] Dubuisson's major participation peaked from 2014 to 2016, with 12 appearances across the four events including his amateur debut: three at the Masters (2014-2016), two at the U.S. Open (2014-2015), four at the Open Championship (2010, 2014-2016), and three at the PGA Championship (2014-2016). He made no major appearances in 2017 due to declining form. He made the cut in five of these, with an average finish of 21st among completed tournaments (T7 at 2014 PGA, T9 at 2014 Open, T18 at 2015 PGA, T28 at 2014 U.S. Open, T42 at 2016 Masters).[57][56]| Major | Total Appearances | Cuts Made | Years Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | 3 | 1 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| U.S. Open | 2 | 1 | 2014, 2015 |
| The Open Championship | 4 | 1 | 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| PGA Championship | 3 | 2 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |