The French Connection – Celine Boutier

Fact: Celine Boutier is making a name for herself on the LPGA Tour. As of, Sept 7^th the 29-year-old was ranked fifth on the Women’s Rolex World rankings. This year alone she has won the FREED GROUP Women's Scottish Open presented by Trust Golf, the LPGA Drive On Championship and secured herself a major title (the first French woman to do so) at the Evian Championship.

A native of Clamart, France, Boutier has competed in two Solheim Cups and represented her homeland in the 2021 Olympics. Her on-course performance keeps accelerating and it’s clear that her success has only left her wanting more.

“Seeing the improvements in my game over a period of time and the better results have inspired me to keep pushing and put in the work,” she said. “I know I am moving in the right direction, and if I continue on this path, I know I can reach my full potential.”

Boutier first picked up a golf club at age 7 but was able to avoid being totally consumed by the game early on.

“I did a lot of other activities and sports,” she said.” I started playing golf at seven years old, but I did not start taking it seriously until I was 15 or 16. I think it’s important not to focus solely on one sport from such a young age.”

Boutier played college golf at Duke, where she helped her team win an NCAA title in 2014 while simultaneously earning ‘Player of the Year’ honours from the Women’s College Golf Coaches Association. At one point in her college career, Celine Boutier was the top-ranked female amateur in the world.

Boutier turned professional in 2016 and earned her LPGA Tour card by recording eight top-10 finishes on what was then the Symetra Tour in 2017, including two wins. Throughout her professional career, Boutier has resisted the temptation to compare her game to that of her peers.

“That is a major factor,” she said. “It is very easy to start comparing yourself to other players and try to copy them in some areas of the game. Ultimately you have to know yourself and be confident with what works for you to perform your best because no one else is like you.”

Boutier’s success has brought her acclaim in her homeland.

Boutier tells Women’s Golf magazine that the recognition she receives from her countrymen means a lot to her.

“It’s special to even think I am impacting my country’s history in any way. I’m very proud to fly the flag for France, I try to focus on becoming the best golfer I can be and hopefully, the rest will fall into place.”

She also states that she hopes her sporting success will inspire other women and girls in her homeland to get involved in golf.

“I certainly hope I can encourage the younger generation back home to take up golf. Growing up playing a sport - it’s inspiring to have a role model to look up to. Hopefully, I inspire girls to go out there and follow their dreams.” 

Boutier’s LPGA commitments keep her busy, but she’s looking forward to when she can take time to explore Australia’s celebrated golf venues. 

 “I haven’t had the chance to play many courses in Australia, but I would love to go back and spend more time there. When I last visited, one of my favourite courses to play was South Australia’s Kooyanga Golf Club.”

 "PXG’S EQUIPMENT IS SECOND TO NONE AND I AM THRILLED TO PURSUE MY DREAMS TO PLAY GOLF AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE COMPANY." -Celine Boutier

Words: Rick Woelfel