Malta’s men’s national golf team claimed the 2026 European Team Shield Championships after defeating Turkey 2-1 in a closely contested final.
The final proved highly competitive, with both teams producing strong performances and the outcome ultimately decided by fine margins.
Malta were represented by Ruud Critien, Andrew Borg, Oliver Davis and JJ Micallef Verlest, who produced a series of accurate and consistent performances to secure the victory. Turkey provided a strong challenge throughout, ensuring that the contest remained in the balance until the decisive stages.
Malta also reached the women’s final, where Eliana Buhagiar, Laya Cristina, Serena Falzon Sant Manduca and Filippa Schulze Doering faced Turkey.
The Maltese women were narrowly defeated 2-1, with the final again decided by a small margin. Their run to the final nevertheless earned Malta the silver medal and saw the team finish as runners-up.
The championships concluded with a closing ceremony held yesterday evening, bringing to an end the first edition of the European Team Shield Championships to be staged in Malta.
During the ceremony, Malta Golf Association President William Beck addressed the gathering as the winning teams received their medals and shields. Beck described the successful hosting of the championships in Malta as the fulfilment of a long-held dream and thanked those who contributed to the organisation of the event, particularly SportMalta and the Royal Malta Golf Club.
Representatives of the European Golf Association also addressed the ceremony, praising Malta for the organisation and successful staging of the championships.
The tournament provided a significant occasion for Maltese golf, with the men securing the title on home soil and the women completing the event with a runners-up finish.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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