Montpellier's Anaïs Guibal trains at Fontcaude golf course with former international handball player Grégory Anquetil, for physical preparation. See you soon 18, he is one of the hopes of French golf… and Madagascan. Interview.

Montpellier's Anaïs Guibal.

Anais Guibal. @DR

At what age did you discover golf?

Anaïs Guibal: I had to hit my first ball around 4-5 years old at the Rodez golf course. I was born into a golfer family, before I walked I was on a course (laughs). My great-grandfather and my grandfather played golf, my father plays golf (index 4). When he competed in Grand Prix, he took me with him when I was not even 2 and a half years old. He even tinkered with a small seat for me, stuck to his golf bag.

Do you want to make it your job?

Yes. If I can do what I love by working… After my BAC, I plan to go to a university in the United States, ideally in California, I have cousins ​​who live there.

Do you train every day?

During the school holidays, I play every day. The rest of the time, I train at the Fontcaude golf course on Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school, in addition to the weekends. And for my physical preparation, I am followed by Grégory Anquetil at the Fontcaude spa hotel, just next to the course.

What does Grégory Anquetil bring you?

His knowledge of the highest level. He trains me physically and helps me in particular to strengthen my abdominal belt so that my golf course is more in place, that my shots are more regular. They also work on my endurance so that I am able to play 18 holes four times in four days without experiencing a stroke.

In two weeks you will be celebrating your 18e anniversary. What is your best memory as a golfer so far?

There are several of them. I remember a game at the Bondues golf course in Lille. I was 12 years old and I was playing with Agathe Laisné, I managed to score +12 when I was only 19 with a handicap. There is also my quarter-final in the French minimal championship, at the Bordeaux-Lac golf course. I had made a big sprain just three months before, I was not expected at all and I had beaten players stronger than me. And then there is my 1er turn to the Grand Prix de Valescure - my club - last October. I had played -2 ​​and even though I was still at -4 at the start of the 18th, it remains a good memory.

What is your strong point?

My length at the drive and the power of my iron game. They say I have the same stats as the biggest hitters in the LPGA.

Are there any players you admire?

I really like Rory McIlroy, his personality, the sportsman. He's a real athlete and he's nice too.

And a player?

In fact, I don't watch women's golf a lot. I find that visually, it is less interesting. There is a lot more going on with men, they are taking more risks. With women, it's a bit always the same. It's straight ahead, the middle of fairways, the greens in regulation ...

Have you ever made a hole in one?

Yes, I even managed five.

Five ?! While you are not yet 18 Anaïs ?!

Yes. Well, my first was on the Massane compact, at hole n ° 7 (laughs). But I managed three on an 18 hole course: the 12 in Massane, the 4 in La Grande Motte and another in Rodez, I don't remember the hole.

You have dual French and Malagasy nationality. Which country do you plan to play for?

I don't know yet, it's 50/50, even if for now, I'm leaning a bit for Madagascar. My plan is to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and objectively, I would have a better chance of qualifying with Madagascar. And then, the country is underrepresented internationally, it would be a good way to develop golf there.

Interview by Franck Crudo