this young pro golfer in Casteljaloux talks about his daily life

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At the age of 21, Mateo Bardou made golf his profession. Far from the clichés prevalent around this sport considered elitiste, the young man who evolves in Casteljaloux, talks about his journey and the daily difficulties to achieve his dream of becoming a professional. A goal achieved since February 2024, at the cost of many sacrifices.

A sacrificed adolescence

With a certain maturity, Matéo decided to devote himself to golf at the age of 8. “ It was a vocation, I knew I wanted to make it my career », he confides after becoming familiar with golf clubs as a child, his father Pascal being golf director at the time.

Far from just paying lip service, he started amateur tournaments at the age of 12 with the support of his parents. Matéo even stopped school a few years later to devote himself completely to it.

I had no friends or a girlfriend. It was very hard mentally.

« We can’t imagine the sacrifices this requires, including for my family », he analyzes lucidly. But Matéo assures him, he regrets nothing. “If you want to achieve your dream, you have to give yourself the means. »

Professional golfer: a harsh reality

Matéo takes his take off at 18 near Seignosse, far from his parents to also build himself. “ There are periods of doubt, we put pressure on ourselves to want to prove something. I needed to get out of all this. » A decision which will help the young man to mature. “I started working while keeping the goal of becoming a professional. »

Back in Casteljaloux, Matéo won his place on the Alps Tour, a goes around forequivalent to the 3rd division. Since February, he has competed in a series of competitions, with the reality that is his. “You don’t make a living at this level. I borrowed from the bank and I work every day to be able to repay the tournaments,” he explains, aware of the risks he takes.

Many people think we are well off. But at this level, everyone is hungry because it is very complicated financially

Despite the uncertainties, Matéo has built a mentality of steel. He recently shone at Longwy tournament making the cut and finishing in 19th place. ” Finally ! » proclaims the one who is guaranteed to do a full season next year on the Alps Tour and who now aims to move on to thechallenge tourthe second pro circuit.

Looking for sponsors

“My goal is to do as many tournaments as possible and perform well. » But there you go, a season like this is expensive,between €10,000 and €15,000to cover tournament registration fees and travel. “I struggle to find support because I know it can work», says Mateo, who displays his ambitions while keeping his head on his shoulders. “I am taking it step by step with the desire to one day play at the highest level. »

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