Very good start for Céline Boutier on Wednesday who won over Mexican Gaby López 4 & 2, during her opening match at the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play on the Shadow Creek course in Las Vegas. The only French competitor in the event, the Parisian will face South Korean world No. 2 Inbee Park this Thursday.

Céline Boutier wins her first duel at the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play - photo Alexis Orloff

Céline Boutier wins her first duel at the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play © Alexis Orloff

The only Frenchwoman involved in this new match-play format got off to a perfect start this Wednesday in Las Vegas, winning her first meeting against Mexican Gaby López.
The Frenchwoman took the advantage on the 7 and 8 thanks to two birdies and on the 10 thanks to a par after having shared the first six holes. The Mexican came back very briefly by taking the 11 on a par, but the two bogeys conceded to the 15 and 16 sealed her fate and offered Céline Boutier a nice 4 & 2 victory. " I managed to take advantage of the opportunities I created for myself at the end of the first leg, and I think that was the turning point in this game. It put me in a positive dynamic, and it also allowed me to stay in the lead when I dropped one or two bogeys on the start of the comeback. ”Said Céline Boutier.

The Parisian winner in her first match, took an option on qualifying for the round of 2 which will be played on Saturday morning. In the other group 2 meeting, a draw between South Korean Inbee Park and American Jennifer Chang, which offers Céline Boutier a window of opportunity to qualify this Thursday in case of victory against No. 64 world. Coming out of the hens this week and making a place in the final table would give the XNUMXth player in the world an additional argument in her favor in view of the next Solheim Cup, for which she has not yet qualified.

Shadow Creek the most exclusive American course open to the public

Inaugurated in 1989, the Shadow Creek course, designed by architect Tom Fazio, is one of its exceptional golf courses that you must have played once in your life. " I was super excited at the idea of ​​coming to play the course, ”says Céline Boutier to summarize the general state of mind of her colleagues on the LPGA Tour, who are discovering the place this week. “I had seen it a bit on television, but I really wanted to play it. "

Over the years, it has carved out a reputation for exclusivity. The cost of its green fee, still $ 600, makes it the most expensive club open to the public in the United States. " Shadow Creek is without a doubt one of the most unique golf course experiences in the world. " says Tom Fazio  “In fact, I think if a non-golfer were to visit the course, they would say it's one of the most amazing places they've ever visited. Personally, this is perhaps the most memorable involvement I have had in my many decades in the golf business. I've thought about Shadow Creek so many times - the initial idea stages, the routing plans, the construction of the scale model, and the first impressions after opening. We are approaching almost 25 years of playing and I am still amazed at the whole experience. This is such a special place in so many ways - great golf, great environment, great service - a place we can't wait to return. There have been many wonderful golf courses created over the past few decades and I honestly believe Shadow Creek is in a separate category. It is very difficult to explain even after a visit. The total feel is distinctive and captivating. I think it should be labeled one of a kind! I am honored to be a part of Shadow Creek."

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