2024-01-29 11:12:25
Third in the world since her victory in Evian in 2023, the thirty-year-old has made the Paris Games the main objective of her season. Which starts with a shy 16th place at the Drive On Championship, in Bradenton, Florida.
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It was his first major tournament of the season. With her eyes focused on the Paris Olympic Games in six months, French golfer Céline Boutier made a timid return to the women’s professional circuit, the LPGA, on Sunday January 28. Third player in the world and defending champion, Boutier finally finished in 16th place at the Drive On Championship, in Bradenton, Florida, won by American Olympic champion Nelly Korda who beat New Zealander Lydia Ko.
At 30, Céline Boutier had an exceptional 2023 season with four victories on the LPGA circuit and a first major title at Evian, one of the five major tournaments on the circuit, the equivalent of Roland-Garros in tennis. Before resuming competition, the golfer explained last week that she was “looking forward” to being at the Olympic Games. “Paris is going to be a very important week for me,” said the woman who can claim a medal at the home Olympics in July. The season is going to be a challenge with the higher expectations of others, but also of myself, although I will try not to put too much pressure on myself.
“For golf, we haven’t had much history with the Olympic Games, it’s still recent,” she explained in December, during the presentation of the RTL Sports 2023 Champion prize. Having the chance to participate and to be there when we have the Games at home next summer, it will be an incredible opportunity. I really hope to do everything I can to seize this opportunity.”
On the men’s side, Matthieu Pavon became the first Frenchman to win a tournament on the North American PGA circuit in 117 years. A “historic” performance for French golf, he believes.
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