European Team Championship: Estonia returns in 14th place.

At Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, the team European Championships concluded yesterday, with Estonia playing Iceland on the final day for 13th–14th place. Iceland won 3.5:1.5, though Estonia put up a strong fight. The winning point came from the foursomes pair Kevin Christopher Jegers/Ralf Kivi. Mattias Varjun reached the 17th green tied, with both players having a 3+ meter birdie putt, but the match had to be left unfinished as Markus Varjun lost on the 18th hole to Iceland’s top player, Gunnlaugur Arni Sveinsson (WAGR 17). Earlier, Richard Teder and Carl Hellat had already conceded their matches. Markus had led most of his match, but consecutive three-putts on holes 16 and 17 proved decisive. Results 

Following last year’s fourth-place finish, expectations had been higher, but 14th place is still Estonia’s fifth-best result historically. In the past, Estonia’s men also finished 11th twice and 12th once. Next year, Estonia will have the opportunity to compete on home soil and attempt to reach the top eight again.

In the final, Italy surprisingly defeated Denmark 6.5:0.5, claiming their second European title (first in 1999). Bronze went to England, who edged Ireland 4:3. Results

The first division will say goodbye to Czech Republic and Portugal, replaced by the top two teams from the second division. From Zala Springs (Hungary), the gold-medal-winning team was Belgium, with Wales taking silver. Austria, finishing third, will not be promoted next year as Estonia hosts the first-division event. Results

While the men struggled, a major surprise came in the U18 boys’ European Championship at Kaskada Golf Resort (Czech Republic). Czech Republic claimed their first-ever medal at any team championship — and it was gold — defeating defending champion France in the final. Bronze went to Sweden. Portugal, Finland, and Ireland leave the first division. Results 

From the U18 boys’ second-division tournament held in Hungary alongside the men’s event, the top three teams promoted to the first division next year are Italy, Spain, and Iceland. Results

The women’s team European Championship took place in Chantilly, France. Top three: Spain, France, Germany. Results

The U18 girls’ teams competed at Slaley Hall, England. Like the women, Spain won gold, while Italy and Ireland took silver and bronze, respectively. Results