Ines Laklalech had a week to remember as she teed it up on home soil in the 2024 Lalla Meryem Cup.
The Moroccan star didn’t walk away with the trophy, but she made memories that will last a lifetime in Rabat as she finished in a tie for seventh place.
Laklalech, who became the first LET winner from Morocco in 2022, played the first two rounds with Mexico’s Maria Fassi – who led the competition at that stage.
On the last day, the 26-year-old played in the final group at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam (Blue Course) and was thrilled with the home support.
“It was a fantastic week! The best I have ever had,” she said. “Being in the last group, fighting for the win in Morocco – it was a dream come true.
“It was amazing. Every putt I was believing in it, the crowd was here to cheer so loud, and it was a week that I have always dreamed of.”
After winning the 2022 Lacoste Ladies Open de France on the LET, Laklalech headed to LPGA Q-Series and finished in a tie for 12th place to become the first Moroccan to play on the LPGA.
However, it was a difficult 2023 for the Casablanca-born player as she struggled to find form Stateside and tried to balance keeping her card on both sides of the Atlantic.
Laklalech is playing a full year on the LET in 2024 in Category 6 thanks to her victory in France 18 months ago.
The Moroccan believes her good result on home soil will stand her in good stead as she looks to build on it in the coming months.
She explained: “A week like this is a boost in confidence, it’s been tough the last year competing at the highest level on the LPGA, not having very good results, a lot of missed cuts.
“Coming after all of this to have a chance to do a good result eventually when at home was special and I think it’s going to put me in a good mood for the rest of the season.”
Despite the hardships of the past year, Laklalech still has one big goal for 2024 as she would like to be teeing it up at Le Golf National and representing her nation.
She added: “My goals for 2024, first of all, would be qualifying for the Olympic Games – that would be a dream. I wouldn’t say no to any trophies this year either!”
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