Ines Laklalech returns to Morocco as the star of the show at the Lalla Meryem Cup as she looks to achieve a lifelong dream of winning on home soil at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
The Moroccan will be teeing up in the tournament for the very first time following its four year hiatus – an event she admits helped forge her path to the Ladies European Tour (LET).
“It’s amazing,” she said. “It’s a very special week. I’ve been dreaming of playing this tournament since I was very young.
“I loved watching the girls when I was younger and it really inspired me. Iโve always wanted to play this tournament. I think itโs definitely played a role in me being a professional golfer today.”
Laklalech arrives in Rabat having made history for her homeland in 2022. After cementing her card last year, the rookie soon created headlines when she became the first Moroccan, Arab and North African to win an LET title at the Lacoste Ladies Open De France.
“It was very nice,” she continued. “I got a very warm welcome from the airport straight when I came back from Paris and then of course some media attention.
“I mean, in Morocco, we’re very patriotic. As soon as someone achieves something great, in general or in sports, we have a lot of cheering and a lot of attention.
“I’m very proud. I really love my country. The culture is amazing. I grew up here and I’m very attached to my roots. It’s definitely an honour to represent Morocco by golfing all over the world. If you told me in 2019 I would win an LET event and have my LPGA card, I wouldn’t believe you!”
Laklalech will tee up at 13.15 local time in round one alongside two-time winner Nuria Iturrioz and India’s Aditi Ashok – who was victorious at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open last week.
On top of being boosted by home support, the 25-year-old will open the week with the honour of playing with HRH Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco in Wednesday’s pro-am.
“I’m definitely nervous for sure,” she said. “It’s the first time Iโve met him in person. It’s an honour to play with him and it’s going to be a day that I will remember for the rest of my life. I’m very honoured and humbled to play with him today.
“My friends and family are here to watch so I’m very excited. It’s good. it’s only a boost. You have to take advantage of it. Hearing all the cheers from Moroccans is very nice. I think it’s a big plus.”
So what would it mean for Laklalech to claim victory this week?
“I think that would be bigger than any achievement in my golf career,” she continued. “I’m dreaming of winning here in front of a home crowd. I’ll do my best and we’ll see.”
Follow all the action on @LETGolf on Instagram and Twitter and Ladies European Tour on Facebook and YouTube โ #RaiseOurgame #LallaMeryemCup.
