1 / You stayed a long time in South Africa, where you played several tournaments at the start of the season. Did you have trouble returning to France with the Covid 19 crisis?

In fact, I first decided to stay longer there for a family vacation. When containment was announced in France, there was none in South Africa. We could continue to play golf, go for a walk, etc. The number of cases was really very low. When the lockdown was announced, it was a bit of a panic because the country was going to close its borders within five days, so all the expats tried to reach their respective countries at the same time. After a few days of traveling, I was finally able to return to France, but I must say that I am very happy to have spent a few more weeks in South Africa rather than being confined to France from the start. I went back to Kruger Park and it was just magical!

2 / Are you worried about the future of LET with the coming major economic crisis?

I don't really care about the long-term future of LET. LET recently signed a partnership with the LPGA for several years and it will bring a lot to European golf, but I especially know that we have a fantastic team of leaders with Alexandra Armas and Marta Figueres-Dotti.  They fight for European women's golf. These are women whom I admire very much and for whom I have enormous respect. I know they will keep the boat afloat and navigate these troubled waters with flying colors.

3 / How did you discover golf?

I started at the Estérel golf school at the age of 8, before moving to Valescure at the age of 13. My father was the first to discover golf in my family, then he put my mother and then my big brother, Alexandre, and so I naturally followed. All the sports that my brother practiced I wanted to try. I have always followed in his footsteps.

4 / Like many young French golfers, you spent four years in an American university, that of Minneapolis in this case. How did you live this experience?

It was an amazing experience. I won't hide from you that there have been ups and downs, especially when you have to live alone at 18, thousands of kilometers from your family, but it was a magnificent adventure. For me who is a sports fan, I really enjoyed myself. Sport holds an important place in American life, it is emphasized all the time and sporting opportunities are everywhere. I learned the rules of American football and became a fan of it. When it comes to golf, it's hard to do better: you have access to the best possible training facilities and the latest golf technologies at will. I'm a bit of a "golf nerd", I love the technical, technological and mechanical aspects of golf and suddenly I had fun like a kid at Disneyland there. 

5 / According to LET statistics, you are 5^e this year in terms of driving precision, with 78,5% of fairways affected. Is it your strong point or this statistic - on only two laps - is distorted?

Ha ha, that's not really my strong point! This statistic is based on the start of the 2020 season and I have only played one tournament on the LET. Last year, especially at the end of the season, I struggled a bit with my driving. I hit the ball pretty hard and it's not always compatible with the fairway grip in regulation but I wouldn't say that's what costs me shots in tournaments either.

6 / What is your strong point at the time?

My strong point has varied over the last few seasons. Until 2018, it was my putting. But last year, my putting failed me and on the contrary it became my weakness. Last season my iron game was excellent. Astrid Vayson de Pradenne * even gave me a nice little nickname, "La Fléchette", in reference to my irons often very close to the flags.

7 / What is the game sector that you work in particular?

I have worked a lot on my putting in recent months and I think I have found a solution. I finally have fun on the greens. Recently, during the Jabra Ladies Classic at Glendower in South Africa, I took 23 putts in the second round. My coach Raphaël Pelliciolli, as well as David Ames really helped me get my head out of the water at putting.

8 / And in what area do you think you have the greatest room for improvement?

My wedging is where my biggest room for improvement is. With Raphaël Pelliciolli, we work on it a lot and when I finally have confidence in my wedging, I know that I will be able to pass the next course in my golf. 

9 / What are your goals for this season… if it resumes?

Regain my card on the LET. I would also like to win a tournament again (in August 2018, Emie won in Sweden the'Anna Nordqvist Open, counting for LETAS). My 10 year old cousin recently asked me when he would see me lift the cup again because he was getting impatient (Laughter) and it's true that I would be very happy to win a professional tournament again. 

10 / And in the longer term?

Play the Olympic Games. But for now, I'm focusing on my current season. One tournament at a time. 

11 / You were voted 2018 LETAS Player of the Year. What is the best memory of your career?

My victory at the Anna Nordqvist Open. It was a magical moment that I was able to share with another player, Julie Aimé, who caddied me after she unfortunately did not pass the cut. If I was able to win, it was really thanks to his help and support during the last round. I had no idea if I was in a position to win. Before my last putt of 1 meter, I was even convinced that it was to go into play-off. But once I got it in, the referee came to congratulate me and I couldn't believe it. 

12 / Your worst memory as a golfer?

Honestly, I don't have one that comes to mind. Last year there were more bad memories than expected, maybe that's why I don't remember a particular bad memory (to laughs). I would still say that having lost my card last year, after a series of bad performances, was very difficult to live with.

13 / Have you ever had a hole in one?

I hadn't done a hole in one before last summer and I haven't stopped since (Laughter) ! I had my first hole in one last July, during a training game at Valescure, with young people from the club. Then I did it again a few days later on a small compact, during a Pro-Am with these same young people. Last November, I did one again on a reconnaissance course for the Andalusia Open. I did not believe it, I had never done it in my life and then I succeeded three in five months! None were in competition though, and I couldn't wait for that to happen to me in tournament play. And it happened quickly: last February, at the South African Masters which took place at the San Lameer Golf Club. On hole 9, a downhill par 3 of 145 yards, I hit a 9 iron that fell 4 yards short and ended its run in the hole. As a bonus, I pocketed 2000 euros of travel offered by Standard Bank. Next goal now, the albatross (Laughter) ! 

14 / Who are the players you admire?

Annika Sorenstam and Tiger Woods. It's a bit of a cliché as an answer, but to be able to dominate your sport for such a long time as they both have, there is nothing more impressive and admirable to me. Who was not thrilled when Tiger won the Masters again last year? 

15 / What are your favorite routes in France?

Le Golf National: fond memories of my childhood when I played the French youth championship. I had the opportunity to play Vidauban a few times last year and it's amazing, a perfect manicure. I also love to train on the course from the castle to Terre Blanche. A good variety of shots, a magnificent course and impeccable greens. 

16 / And abroad?

Lost City and the Gary Player Country Club in South Africa. We had the chance this year to play them on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the two courses at the Sun City complex were breathtaking. In the south of South Africa, Fancourt à George is also one of my favorites. Otherwise, there is also Minikahda in Minnesota, we played the university tournament of our college on this course. A superb design, with hole 18 which offers a view of the magnificent Lake Calhoun. 

17 / What is the most common defect that you find in amateurs?

A negative attitude. I often play with amateur friends and it's true that attitude is what keeps them from performing. A bad hole from the start and the game is often ruined. They feel unable to execute strokes that I have already seen them dozens of times without worry. I think a lot of amateurs find it difficult to manage their emotions on the course and to succeed in moving on after having hit a bad blow.

18 / What do you like to do outside of golf?

I played handball for ten years and I miss it badly. I do not take the risk of continuing to do so for fear of injuring myself. I know myself, if I start again, I could not play it halfway and with restraint. Otherwise, when I travel, I havedore go on safaris or visit the wildlife and la local flora. When I am at home, I haveimwatching other sports TV, I'm a regular in the NFL or athletics for example. I also love to practice againx sportss, learn something new. I recently discovered the ax throwing and ça lot of fun.  

Interview by Franck Crudo

*https://swing-feminin.com/astrid-vayson-de-pradenne-le-golf-cest-une-redemption-permanente/

https://www.emieperonnin.com/