For decades, the Mouchy cut, invented by Henri de NoaillesDuke of Mouchy, member of the steering committee of the golf de Fontainebleau and president of the Union des Golfs de France (from 1924 to 1941), is associated, in the collective memory, with the Bellifontain course. However, the first editions of the tournament took place on other golf courses: in Chantilly for the first of them in 1927, in Morfontaine in 28, in Ormesson in 29, in Wimereux in 30, in Hossegor in 31, in Saint- Germain-en-Laye in 33. Interrupted during the war, the Mouchy cup definitely returned to Fontainebleau with the exception of 1948 (at Saint-Cloud) and 1966 at Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, to celebrate the memory of Patrick Frayssineauwho died the previous year on the bellifontain course but, also because of work undertaken on the golf course site: “The construction of the François-Couperin high school had made it possible to recover a piece of land in agreement with the Waters and Forests, precise Christian Majchermanager of the club since April 1997. Thanks to this acquisition, three holes (on 7, 8 and 11) could have been redesigned. »
In the 1950s, the Fontainebleau organizing committee decided to schedule the competition during the Easter weekend. After thirty-six qualifying holes in stroke play on Saturday, the four qualifiers met for the semi-finals and then the winners for the final. In 1972, the match play phase was abolished. Qualification, with the Patrick Frayssineau Cup since 1966, was played over eighteen holes and the Mouchy Cup over thirty-six. The final formula of the competition was adopted in 1985 with two qualifying rounds (Friday and Saturday) at the end of which thirty-nine players (and the ex aequo) reach the thirty-six holes of the Mouchy cup, on Sunday . ” Every year, our obsession is the weather, says Christian Majcher. It is often execrable. We had snow, polar temperatures (- 6) having forced us to start in shot guns, wind, rain. Two years ago, during the pandemic, I found myself on the course all alone. The weather that day was pretty good. I said to myself: what a pity that the competition did not take place. But, around 5:30 p.m., a storm quickly approached the course and it rained heavily! There is no Mouchy without water. » In April, the Major season begins at the Augusta National, usually located a week before the Frayssineau-Mouchy Cup, become for the French amateurs their “Masters”. No magnolias, azaleas or dogwoods in Fontainebleau but broom, heather, lilacs and trees several hundred years old giving this place a beauty and a magic just as bewitching as those of the Georgian golf course.
The five victories of Hervé Frayssineau
Herve Frayssineau. Credit / DR
Back operated last July, Herve Frayssineau is almost totally recovered to the point of resuming training: ” I can’t put this game down he assures. I hit balls every day and play a few friendly games. Golf gave me so many emotions as a player and then as a coach. He fulfilled me. It is exceptional to live from your passion. I wish that for many people. » Five-time winner (1968, 69, 75, 79 and 81) of the Mouchy Cup, Hervé Frayssineau is on the podium of the most successful players in Fontainebleau behind Henri de Lamaze (7 wins) and Michel Carlhian (6). « It is the first great classic of French golf, continues Hervé Frayssineau. I especially remember my last success in 1981. I was not in the lead at the start of the last lap. I had played a wonderful game that I had concluded with a three putt at 18 for a 67 or 68. My mother was present. The Fontainebleau course is extraordinary and always very well prepared for this competition. The greens were very fast. Was it better to have nails under the shoes to avoid falling (laughs). »
The great French champion won the event in two different formulas: in match play in 68 and 69 and in stroke play in 75, 79 and 81: ” At the time, many competitions were played in match play, particularly at international level, he recalls. This game formula had a particular flavor. She was also very educational. Then stroke play took over. All Grands Prix today are played in stroke play. La Mouchy has followed this inevitable evolution. » National Technical Director for eighteen years, Hervé Frayssineau witnessed the emergence of players such as Jean-Francois Remesy, Laurent Lassalle, Marc Farry, Jean Van de Velde and others : ” talented boys, he acknowledges. I have worked a lot for the French high level. That was my main concern, along with detection. The function of DTN has changed a bit since then. I’ve held other positions in this sport, pretty much all of them. Lots of coaching, organization of company days, golf management. I am also passionate about technique and biomechanics. I teach at my own pace at Polo de Bagatelle. I love this game. It’s my life. » Once again this year, Hervé Frayssineau will honor the invitation of the Mouchy Cup organizing committee to the winners’ meal on April 30, the day of the second round of the Patrick Frayssineau Cup.
