It is with great sadness that I have to announce that our head green keeper – Benoit Falgayrac - has informed me that he has taken on another challenge with his former employer, Blue Green in the Bordeaux region.
Benoit joined Royal Mougins Golf Club at the end of 2003, after I met him while he was reconstructing the golf of Saint Maxime, which was partially destroyed by the terrible forest fires, which had created havoc in this region.
For the past 7 years, Benoit and his team have done a marvellous job in bringing the golf course back in shape, fencing it, putting in a new drainage system with very good results, renewing the whole irrigation system and changing various tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, lakes etc.
In other words: A total overhaul and a general refreshing and renovating exercise.
He always worked in close harmony and consultation with our original architect, Rick Baril of von Hagge,Smelek & Baril, as well as with our external consultant, Robin de Vooght – not only to optimize his working methods but also to test his own ideas.
I will miss him dearly as we had many open and frank discussions and a wonderful working relationship. We have shared many projects over the years, but most of all, I appreciate his personality and aim in life: Creating something beautiful within the means put at his disposal.
Benoit will leave us at the beginning of February 2011 to join his former employer, Blue Green (since 2008/9 in Dutch hands) and move to Bordeaux Lac GC, where he will oversee two 18-hole courses, as well as constructing another 9-hole course. If everything goes according to plan, as of 2013/14 Benoit will be responsible for the Western region of Blue Green France, which counts at least a dozen golf clubs.
I wish Benoit, his wife Laurence, and their 2 sons lots of luck and happiness in their new region, house, job, and school.
Thanks and « Merci » for everything!!!
Joost Rieter
