Raphaël Jacquelin
A four-time winner on the European Tour and 8th-place finisher at the 2011 British Open, Raphaël Jacquelin has competed in more than 500 tournaments on the tour. Here is his career history, his list of achievements, and summaries of his video lessons.
Who is Raphaël Jacquelin?
Raphaël Jacquelin is a French professional golfer, born on May 8, 1974, in Lyon. He has had a long and successful career on the European Tour.
A professional since 1995 and a member of PGA France since 1996, he is known for his consistency, which has allowed him to remain among Europe’s elite for many seasons.
Raphaël Jacquelin's Career on the European Tour
Career Transition
He turned pro in 1995. In 1997, he finished fourth in the Challenge Tour standings, with three wins that season, and earned his spot on the European Tour.
Longevity
He is known for his long career on the European Tour, where he has competed in more than 500 tournaments: he is only the second Frenchman to have reached that milestone.
Wins
He has won four tournaments on the European Tour: the Madrid Open (2005), the BMW Asian Open (2007), the Sicilian Open (2011), and the Spanish Open (2013). That last victory came after a nine-hole playoff, which tied the record for the longest playoff on the tour.
Top Results in the Majors
His best finish in a major tournament was an 8th-place finish at the 2011 British Open at Royal St. George’s.
Retraining
Alongside his playing career, he has turned his attention to coaching: he offers immersion days at the Maison Blanche Golf & Country Club in the Pays de Gex, featuring technical sessions led by one of his coaches. He has also attempted to qualify for the PGA Tour Champions, the U.S. senior tour.
Raphaël Jacquelin's List of Achievements
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Career Transition | 1995; member of PGA France since January 1, 1996 |
| Challenge Tour | 3 wins and 4th place in the standings in 1997 |
| Victories on the European Tour | Madrid Open (2005), BMW Asian Open (2007), Sicilian Open (2011), Spanish Open (2013) |
| Majors | 8th place at the 2011 British Open; tied for 21st place at the 2012 U.S. Open |
| Other Notable Podium Finishes | Runner-up at the Scottish Open (2009, 2015), 3rd place at the French Open (2012) |
| Longevity | More than 500 tournaments have been played on the European Tour |
Raphaël Jacquelin's Method: Rhythm, Backswing, and Wedges
Rhythm Before Strength
Raphaël Jacquelin started playing golf at age 15 with clubs that were quite heavy. Not particularly strong, he had only one way to move those clubs: by maintaining a steady rhythm in his swing. His drill replicates this challenge by having him hold two clubs together: the weight prevents him from rushing the movement.
The Two-Step Backswing
In his view, the backswing has two components—the body and the club—and you start with the body. His key to rotation: watch the left shoulder move behind the ball. As for the club, the takeaway is performed with the right hand flat against the right thigh, keeping the club in the plane.
The Wedge Pyramid
To calibrate his distances, he starts at about 35 or 40 yards and increases the distance in 10-meter increments up to 100 yards, using two balls per distance. A distance is considered valid only if the ball lands within a narrow margin.
Raphaël Jacquelin's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Rhythm and Tempo (Rhythm and Tempo): Raphaël Jacquelin's tip for finding the right rhythm.
- Backswing (Backswing, Swing and Swing Plane): The Backswing Breakdown by Raphaël Jacquelin.
- Wedge play (Wedge play = Pitching and Chipping, Range Practice): How to Measure Distances During Wedge Play.
Do you like the French players on the European Tour? Check out the profiles of Thomas Levet, Jean-Baptiste Gonnet and Victor Dubuisson.
FAQ About Raphaël Jacquelin
Who is Raphaël Jacquelin?
Raphaël Jacquelin is a French professional golfer born on May 8, 1974, in Lyon. He has been a professional since 1995 and has four European Tour victories to his credit.
Which tournaments has Raphaël Jacquelin won on the European Tour?
The Madrid Open in 2005, the BMW Asian Open in 2007, the Sicilian Open in 2011, and the Spanish Open in 2013, which he won after a nine-hole playoff.
What is his best result in a Grand Slam?
An 8th-place finish at the 2011 British Open at Royal St. George’s.
How many tournaments has he played on the European Tour?
Over 500: He is the second Frenchman to have reached this milestone, a testament to his remarkable consistency.
What lessons by Raphaël Jacquelin can be found on Best Golf Tips?
Three lessons: a rhythm drill using two clubs, the broken-down backswing, and the wedge pyramid for gauging distances.
