Celine Boutier made an impressive start at the 2024 Olympics women’s golf competition, shooting a 7-under 65 in the first round. Her performance included eight birdies and just one bogey, showcasing her exceptional skills on the course.
Although Boutier felt her round could have been even better, she was nonetheless pleased with her strong start. She expressed her excitement and satisfaction, hoping to build on this performance in the upcoming rounds.
Playing on home soil in France, Boutier was met with massive crowds and abundant support. She acknowledged the challenge of performing under such intense scrutiny, as Olympic crowds differ significantly from those she encounters on the LPGA Tour. Despite this, she embraced the support and viewed it as a positive aspect, even if it felt overwhelming at times.
Boutier took advantage of her experience observing the men’s competition the previous weekend. This exposure helped her prepare for the atmosphere and intensity she would face in her own rounds. She noted that while the support from the crowd was helpful, focusing on her game was crucial due to the course’s difficulty.
Her putting was a standout aspect of her performance, with Boutier making several long birdie putts, including six from over 16 feet. Leading the field in strokes gained putting, she demonstrated precise control and aggressive speed on the greens, which significantly contributed to her score. Her ability to capitalize on birdie chances was a key factor in her success.
Boutier currently holds a three-shot lead over South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai, who scored a 4-under 68. Four other players are tied for third at 2-under. Boutier will continue her campaign in the second round alongside World No. 2 Lilia Vu and Korea’s Amy Yang, teeing off early in the morning for Round 2.
