Marc Farry, the « golden hand » of French golf

You have been nicknamed « the Golden Hand », tell us more…

I have been playing golf since the age of 7, and have won 22 national tournaments, many competitions in the Parisian area, at the Racing Club de France and Versailles, but also Deauville, in Europe and Taiwan. Quite surprised, my elders considered I had golden hands—and the expression perdured.

You won against Tiger Woods, how did it happen?

I had the pleasure of playing twice with him. It took place in Hamburg, Germany, during the Open SAP of 1999. On the 3rd round, I happened to be classed 11th at the tournament, while he was 12th, and finally I beat him by a point. I must say that he was not very happy with the result, but we met several times afterwards—he was extremely nice and gracious.

Why organize an international tournament on the island of Madagascar?

I had a good starting point, thanks to a friend who has an important position at the Mauritius Commercial Bank. Passionate about golf, he suggested that I organize 3 tournaments taking place on 3 islands of the Indian Ocean. The MCB is of course implanted on Madagascar, and he trusted me to find partners—then interest increased thanks to the implication of tourism ministries and telecommunication companies in Madagascar which have been following us since 3 years. Furthermore, this 18-hole golf course has huge potential and there is a local awareness from most of the authorities who are very receptive when it comes to our advice.

Silence must be in order for players to have total concentration on the course. © Phil Inglis Golfphotography

After calculating the wind speed, the player sends his ball in the hole with a minimum of shots. © Phil Inglis Golfphotography

What are your Pay & Play tournaments?

Some of my peers, who are almost seniors, wanted to participate and play in tournaments. So I was inspired by an idea from the USA, the Pay & Play, where you must pay a right of entry in order to be part of a competition that lasts from 1 to 2 days. Its price is superior to the one usually paid, but it enables to compete against pros.

Inscribed for the Olympic Games, will golf become democratic?

I sincerely wish it. What is very positive for us is to have the Ryder Cup, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and that Europe wins it! I saw with my own eyes the buzz in the grand stands filled with fans. It was unthinkable in France— until just recently.

Does the French team have its chances ?

In 2024, we will have new players arriving, such as Benjamin Hébert, Victor Perez and Romain Langasque. One just needs to see the French results this year. These players are between 23 and 28 years old, and they are perfectly aware of the Golf National course.

Englishman Barry Lane won the Madagascar MCB Tour Championship, organized by Marc Farry. © Phil Inglis Golfphotography

Do you play golf every day?

Yes, except on Monday. The tournaments end on Sunday night, so by the time one flies home, we arrive very late in Paris. So Monday is generally off.

Is commenting golf on Canal + a little frustrating for a player?

In the Canal studios, in Boulogne-Billancourt, I don't take the liberty of criticizing players because I am much too aware of this sport's difficulties, which is actually not a sport of reflexes, but more a mental sport. One constantly thinks about the next shot. Sentences which I often come up with— « it's not his best shot of the day », or « the artist is working without netting ».

What is the place of women in golf?

They are more and more present, the breakdown is about 65 % for men and 35 % for women. In the professional universe, they have their own circuits. However, there is very little chance that we will soon be watching mixed tournaments, with a real frontal confrontation, because the speed of the balls, the strength of the shot and the speed are not the same.

Does a professional golfer make a good living?

Yes if he has a good level. A golfer must pay for all his travel expenses. About 30 per year, which amounts to an average of €130 000 per year and for an entire season. So it's necessary to find sponsors. The 3 or 4 Frenchmen who are tops in terms of classification revolve between €600 000 and 1 million euros. World champion, American Brooks Koepka, made between 8 and 10 million dollars this year.

In Madagascar, the Rova Golf is already the rendezvous of the best golfers in the world. © Phil Inglis Golfphotography