Few players on the Ladies European Tour (LET) are currently in better form than France’s Celine Herbin, who has enjoyed a wonderful return to Europe since the restart to soar into the top 10 of the Race to Costa del Sol.
Teeing up for the first time this season at the Jabra Ladies Open, Herbin finished runner-up on home soil before recording three more top-10s to propel herself up the rankings.
With a spot at the Amundi Evian Championship on the line, the 40-year-old then produced another solid display at the Ladies Open by Pickala Rock Resort as she finished T13 to clinch her spot in the fourth Major of the year.
“This week was very complicated with the weather,” Herbin said, who qualifies for the Amundi Evian Championship through the LET Order of Merit. “I had to play until 22:15 on the first day [because of the suspensions]. It was very tough, but I’m happy with how I played all week. I’m proud of myself.
“Overall it’s been a very good run of five tournament on the LET. I have a clear idea on my swing at the moment and I know what I have to work on. That gives me a lot of confidence. It’s obviously never going to be perfect, but I feel like I know what is happening when it’s not going so good so I can then fix it.”
Also a member of the LPGA Tour, Herbin was unsure where she would predominantly bide her time heading into the 2023 campaign.
But after the T2 finish at Evian Resort qualified her for the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Florida event, the two-time LET winner opted to remain in Europe where she is now reaping the rewards.
Herbin said: “I’m enjoying being back on the LET a lot. Playing tournaments here is very nice. It’s more of an international atmosphere and I have a lot of friends having been here since 2012. There are also new faces so I have got to know new people which is great. I enjoy it a lot.
“It’s been a while since I played a lot in Europe, obviously I have spent a lot of time in America with a lot of travel, so this year I have decided to focus a little more on Europe and it’s very nice.”
Herbin now has two weeks off before heading to Spain for the La Sella Open. The Frenchwoman will then take part in a a mammoth month of action beginning with the Amundi Evian Championship.
“Now I need some time off I have to say,” Herbin continued. “It’s been a long stretch with a lot of weeks away from home, but I’m really looking forward to playing in the next run of tournaments.
“The plan is to play at Evian. That was always the goal. I’m not yet sure about the AIG Women’s Open, but I am confident I should get in. The same with the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open being inside the top 20 of the Race to Costa del Sol.
“So I’m planning to play in the big four events in Europe. I love those events. I obviously really enjoy being at home at Evian, and the British always has a very nice atmosphere. The Scottish is on the links, and I’m looking forward to playing the new course we’ll be at for the ISPS Handa World Invitational [Galgorm Castle & Castlerock Golf Club]. It’s exciting.”
