Staff WriterClement Charmasson will take a one-stroke lead into the final day of the Challenge de España at Fontanals Golf Club, as he closes in on securing a maiden HotelPlanner Tour title.
At the Challenge de España in Girona, the Frenchman signed for a five-under-par 66 on a day when low scores were the name of the game, moving to 15 under for the week—one shot ahead of Scotland’s Euan Walker.
Charmasson’s charge
In just his fifth start on the HotelPlanner Tour after earning promotion from the Pro Golf Tour in 2024, the 26-year-old has shown a poise beyond his years.
He wasted no time building momentum, rattling off birdies at the first and fourth holes before following up with back-to-back gains at six and seven to seize the clubhouse lead for the first time.
“I started pretty well today which helped,” he said. “I kept doing good things, so I had momentum right away and I just kept going.
“I hit it well, but I made crucial putts to keep my round going the right way. I’ve figured out the greens well so that helps. I’ve been able to see the lines and I’ve got the speed right which is big.
“I feel good. I’ll go out there tomorrow and see what I can do.”
After a birdie at ten and another at 15, Charmasson’s only stumble came with a bogey on the 17th—just his second dropped shot of the week—before parring the last to maintain his slender advantage.
Friends, family and a game plan
What gives Charmasson extra swagger? The presence of loved ones in the gallery—and a very special caddie.
“I’ll just be doing the same tomorrow,” he added. “I’ve got my family and friends with me this week which is cool. I have my best friend on the bag too, so we’ll just keep having fun.
“That’s what I chose to do last year, getting my good friend on the bag, and things have been good since then.
“There’s a lot of golf to play. I know it’s usual to say that, but it is true. I’ve had a good start of the week already, so there’s another 18 to go, and anything can happen.”
The chasing pack
Swiss star Benjamin Rusch lurks just two strokes back after firing a six-under-par 65, drawing level with overnight leader Luis Masaveu on 12 under.
Finland’s Kim Koivu isn’t far behind either; his 64 has him tied with Sweden’s Oliver Gillberg at 11 under. Five players—including Victor Sidal Svendsen, Jeppe Kristian Andersen, local hope Joseba Torres, Wales’ Jack Davidson and England’s Tom Shadbolt—sit in a logjam at ten under, all with dreams of spoiling Charmasson’s party.
What to expect on Sunday
The final round of the Challenge de España tees off at 8:00 am local time, with the drama truly unfolding when Charmasson heads out alongside Walker and Rusch at 10:00 am.
With Girona’s morning light dancing off the fairways and a hungry gallery on hand, Sunday promises to be a fitting finale to a week defined by red numbers and tense putts.
