This week the Ladies European Tour (LET) is in Deauville for the 33rd edition of the Lacoste Ladies Open de France.
Staged at the Diane Barrière course at Golf Barrière for the second consecutive year, 108 players will be vying for the trophy in the 24th event of the 2023 LET season.
Before the event gets under way in Normandy, here are a few storylines to look out for…
THE NO.1 IS IN TOWN
Fresh off being part of Suzann Pettersen’s European arsenal which retained the Solheim Cup in Spain, Celine Boutier returns to France this week as she looks to extend her lead at the top of the Race to Costa del Sol standings.
The World No 5 has an excellent record in the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, winning her home event in 2021, finishing second in 2019, and recording a sixth place finish last year as Ines Laklalech claimed victory.
With two wins under her belt this season at The Amundi Evian Championship and Women’s Scottish Open, Boutier currently leads the Race to Costa del Sol by 238 points but can extend her advantage with the next seven players in the standings all absent in France.
WINNERS APLENTY
While Boutier’s Race opponents won’t be teeing up in Deauville, the 24th event of the season will see an abundance of 2023 champions vying to add more silverware to their cabinet.
Joining the French Solheim star at Golf Barrière are seven more winners from this season: Germany’s Alexandra Försterling, Spanish players Nuria Iturrioz and Carmen Alonso, Czechia’s Kristyna Napoleaova, Denmark’s Smilla Tarning Soenderby, Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson, Germany’s Patricia Isabel Schmidt, and England’s Lily May Humphreys.
Iturrioz will be in high spirits after enjoying the Solheim Cup from the sidelines at her home club Finca Cortesin last week. She tees off at 8:26 alongside Cara Gainer and Försterling, who will also be feeling confident after winning the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open two weeks ago.
ALONSO RETURNS
Another Spaniard looking to enter the mix this week is Carmen Alonso, the winner of this year’s Ladies Open by Pickala Rock Resort.
The 39-year-old had been out injured with back and hip issues following the AIG Women’s Open, but after six weeks off the one-time LET winner returns this week looking to make up for lost time in the Race to Costa del Sol standings (Alonso currently sits 20th).
“I am happy to come back at Lacoste Ladies Open de France,” she said on Instagram. “Thanks Juan Dusmet and the physio for all the work we did to be able to play again as soon as possible.”
‘A RARE EXPERIENCE TO LIVE’
Just like in 2022, this event is unique in that the tournament blends golf and art for all its spectators. Artwork signed by Laurent Perbos can be admired all around the Diane Barriére course with an open-air exhibition on offer for fans and players alike.
The first tee will once again be turned into a launch platform with sculptures and avant garde pieces further displayed around the course, making the Lacoste Open de France a one-of-a-kind unique experience. And what’s more, this magnificent event is free for all.
LANDGRAF CHASES MORE HISTORY
Last but not least, another name to look out for this week is Louise Uma Landgraf, the 14-year-old amateur who tees up as in an invitee on home soil.
The rising star made headlines back in April when she won on the on the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS) to became the youngest ever winner on a professional women’s golf tour.
Having also made the cut at this year’s Jabra Ladies Open, Landgraf will be one to watch in Deauville as she tees up as one of 15 French players.
The Lacoste Ladies Open de France gets underway on Friday at 8:15 local time. Follow the tournament @LETgolf on Instagram and X (Twitter) and Ladies European Tour on Facebook and YouTube – #RaiseOurGame #LacosteLODF #llodf.
