The French Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, 19 years old, has been world n ° 1 amateur for a few days. She answered our questions from South Carolina, where she trains and continues her studies at the University.

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Swing Féminin: For a few days you have been the new world amateur n ° 1, a first for a Frenchwoman since Céline Boutier in 2014. Was this one of your main goals?

Pauline Roussin-Bouchard: It was part of my objectives, but it was not an end in itself either. I have many others ...

Which ?

In the short term, try to get my card on the LPGA Tour in 2021. Later, win Majors, be part of the European Solheim Cup team, become world No. 1.

When you are world n ° 1 amateur, you are immediately more in demand?

Yes, you have a lot of people coming to congratulate you. And you are the fourth French journalist to interview me for a few days (laughs).

Why did you choose the University of South Carolina to follow your studies and train there since last September?

It is undoubtedly the place which best meets my expectations. There is a huge golf practice area and the coaches are very good. I immediately felt very good on campus. It is also a very good university academically. I am studying psychology with a "minor" (specialization) in "Criminal Justice".

How does a typical week go at the University?

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I play on the course during the day and I have 1h15 of lessons in the evening, except Friday. Tuesday and Thursday, we get up at 5:45 am to play sports. I have classes in the morning from 8:30 am and in the afternoon, I train.

Have you identified your strengths and weaknesses in golf?

I don't know if we can talk about weak points, but in any case I have many points to improve, that's for sure. My strong point may be the consistency in driving, but if you want to perform on the LPGA circuit, you need to have a very sharp little game.

Outside the fairways, it seems that you practice boxing…

Yes. I practiced competitive judo for a long time when I was little. Boxing remains a hobby, I do it with people who are careful. I have a teacher who also teaches me to make the connection with the course. When you are rushed, boxing helps to make the right decisions, to keep a cool head under pressure. And then golf is sometimes a frustrating game, boxing allows me to let off steam (laughs).

Interview by Franck Crudo