Celine Boutier back to defend at Dundonald after unique Olympic experience

It's not quite the carbon copy of last season, where Celine Boutier came into the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open off the back of a Major victory in France but we're sure that the defending Champion will use the unwavering support of her home crowd and the momentum gained at the Paris 2024 Olympics to carry her through this week on the links at Dundonald.

As she steps onto the familiar turf of Dundonald Links, the memories of her previous victory flood back, but so do the challenges of adapting her game to the unique demands of links golf. Reflecting on her return, Boutier shared her enthusiasm for the course. "It's very nice to be coming back here. A lot of good memories and especially going around the course, kind of start remembering some of the shots and the holes that you played. So it's very fun," she said.

Her previous success at Dundonald Links offers her a psychological edge, but Boutier is keenly aware that each year brings its own set of challenges. "Every week, your golf game is slightly different. So you have to adapt to that and make some slight changes sometimes last minute or the week of," she added.

From Olympics to ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open

The transition from the Olympics to the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open presents a stark contrast in terms of course conditions. In Paris, Boutier played on a course that was distinctly different from what she will face at Dundonald. "It was very surreal to be able to play the Olympics in Paris," she remarked, emphasising the thrill of competing with a home crowd cheering her on. However, she noted that the styles of play required for the two events are worlds apart. "It's a very different course than this week, so definitely not much preparation there as far as pure golf style," she explained. Nonetheless, the experience of playing in front of a supportive crowd has boosted her confidence as she looks forward to similar encouragement in Scotland.

Boutier is not just focused on the present but also looking ahead to the AIG Women's Open at the iconic St Andrews next week. The Old Course, with its rich history and unique challenges, is a venue that excites Boutier. "It's definitely such an iconic golf course, and I had a chance to play in 2013 when it was last there, and it was such a special experience," she recalled. For Boutier, playing at St Andrews is more than just another tournament.

Adapting to links golf

As Boutier prepares for the challenges of links golf, she highlights the importance of adapting to the course's unique demands. "It's a lot about the trajectories here. Just keeping the ball low-ish, especially with the wind and especially around the green," she explained. The firm ground and the specific design of the bunkers require precise adjustments, but Boutier relishes the challenge. "I think it's very nice to be able to play in those conditions because it's so unique to these types of courses, and that's also why you come here," she said.

Considering the broader impact of golf's inclusion in the Olympics, Boutier expressed her belief in the sport's rightful place on the world stage. "I feel like golf definitely has a legitimate place in the Olympics. It’s been such a fun experience for me personally to have it in Paris this year," she stated. The enthusiastic crowds in Paris were a testament to the growing interest in the sport, and Boutier hopes that this will translate into increased popularity and participation, particularly in her home country of France.

A busy summer schedule on the LPGA

As she embarks on another week of competition in a busy summer schedule on the LPGA, Boutier is focused on maintaining her momentum. "This week is definitely a good preparation and good introduction into links golf going into next week," she said, highlighting the importance of performing well in Europe. With the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open and the AIG Women's Open back-to-back, Boutier knows that the stakes are high, but her recent experiences have only strengthened her resolve.

Celine Boutier returns to Dundonald Links not just as a defending champion but as a golfer ready to take on the challenges of links golf with the same determination that has brought her success on some of the world's biggest stages.

You can watch Celine this week at the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, tickets priced at £15 and children go free - find out more. Next week, she'll be playing in the AIG Women's Open at St Andrews. To purchase tickets please visit the AIG Women’s Open ticket page here