Jean Garaïalde

Who is Jean Garaïalde?

Jean Garaïalde is a French professional golfer.

Garaïalde was born in Ciboure, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. He turned professional in 1952. In 1969, he became the first French golfer since Firmin Cavalo in 1948 to claim his own national open. Around that time, he won several other national opens around Europe, including the German Open in 1969 and 1970 and the Spanish Open also in 1969.

In his home country, Garaïalde was dominant winning 12 French PGA titles between 1960 and 1982, including seven in a row from 1962, 17 French Native Opens between 1957 and 1987, and 12 French Professional Championships between 1968 and 1985.

Garaïalde represented France in the World Cup a record 25 times. He retired shortly after his final appearance in 1982, although he has since played in several European, Challenge and European Seniors Tour events that have been held in France. In 1992 he won the Turespaña Leman International Senior Trophy in Switzerland, and tied for 11th in the Senior British Open Championship.