With the French crowd right behind her, Celine Boutier shoots an incredible seven-under-par 65 to take a three shot lead after round one in the women's Olympic golf competition
Celine Boutier has been in the position before, with the weight of national expectation on her shoulders. It may have felt pretty pressured when she held a three shot lead heading into the Amundi Evian Championship last year and then won by six shots, but the Paris Olympics crowd at Le Golf National have taken it to another level.
Boutier found the home crowd both exhilarating and challenging. "It's definitely not something I'm really used to from what I usually experience on the LPGA. So it's nice to have that much support," she said. She credited watching the men's rounds the previous weekend for helping her prepare for the supportive yet overwhelming atmosphere.
If it had seemed overwhelming, it didn't show in her game as the Frenchwoman held her composure to shoot an extremely impressive seven-under-par 65, with just the one blemish on the card at the par 4 12th, to take a three shot lead into the second round.
Unsurprisingly the 30-year-old was pleased with her first round of the women's Olympic golf competition, when asked if the round could have gone any better, she responded, "It can always be better with golf. But, no, I'm really over the moon with the way the tournament started for me."
A perfect Olympic start for Celine Boutier
The strong start was crucial for Boutier, especially on home soil. "Every time I play at home I never want to disappoint people," she admitted. The crowd's energy positively influenced her game. "It's definitely nice to get some energy from the crowd after I make a putt. And sometimes I try to take from that, and they also sometimes take from me."
Boutier's putting was a highlight, with aggressive speed control leading to successful putts. "I think my putting was very solid today. I tried to be a little bit more aggressive with my speed, and it definitely worked out," she explained. Notable moments included a long putt on the 5th hole and a chip-in on the 16th, which she considered bonuses.
While familiar with the course, Boutier downplayed the advantage, suggesting that understanding the layout and conditions was beneficial but not decisive. "I think it's a little bit of an advantage. I wouldn't say that big of an advantage, though. You still have to go out. Like the fact that you played it before doesn't necessarily make you play better."
Overall, Boutier appreciated the support and looked forward to maintaining her form in the coming rounds. "It's just nice to have that many people excited about golf and about where my round is going," she said.
Ashleigh Buhai three shots back in second place
Three shots back at four-under-par is 2022 AIG Women's Open champion Ashleigh Buhai. The South African is returning to competition after having to pull out of the Amundi Evian Championship due to a toe injury.
In a tie for third at two-under-par is a group of four players that include double 2023 Major winner American Lilia Vu, Norwegian Celine Borge, Gaby Lopez from Mexico and Mariajo Uribe who is playing in her last tournament before retiring.
Swan song for Maria Uribe
The Colombian declared earlier this season, after her win at the Women's NSW Open on the Ladies European Tour, that she would retire after the Paris Olympics.
There is no doubt that the 34-year-old is embracing her final week of professional golf in Paris with a mix of excitement and reflection. After a strong start, she managed to stay in contention despite a few bogeys. Reflecting on her round one performance, she shared, "I'm happy I stayed there. 18 hole is a really tough hole, and finishing with the birdie, I'm glad I was able to do that and stay in contention."
Uribe is determined to make the most of this week, acknowledging that "it's a long week, so you just got to stay around there." The atmosphere in Paris, with its enthusiastic crowds, has made this experience particularly special for her.
When asked about her decision to retire while still playing well, Uribe cited the influence of her idol, Lorena Ochoa, who retired at the top of her game. "One of my idols is Lorena Ochoa, and she went out as No. 1 in the world, and I always thought that was so great, like just finishing on a high note," she explained.
The journey to this point has been prolonged due to the pandemic and the birth of her child, but now she feels ready to conclude her career. "It's been four years too long already. So I'm ready for it, but I'm excited for the week to come."
Surrounded by family and supporters, Uribe is focused on enjoying her final tournament and cherishing the memories, stating, "A medal will be great, but just enjoy this week and see what happens."
Disappointing day overall for Team GB and Team Ireland
With three more days of play still to come, there is still so much to play for and with 25 players even or under par and all that we saw happen with low scoring round propelling players up the leaderboard in the men's Olympic golf competition, it is all too early to call.
As far as British and Irish hopes are concerned, it was a disappointing day for Charley Hull with a nine-over-par 81 to be in 58th, Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow are in a tie for 50th at six-over-par, whilst Georgia Hall tied 40th at two-over-par.
The second round gets underway at 9am local time on Thursday. You can view the full women's Olympic golf competition leaderboard and tee times here.
