Ines Laklalech Makes History On Ladies European Tour
The young Moroccan golfer secured victory at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, becoming the first ever Arab winner on the LET
On Saturday, history was made at the Ladies European Tour event, as Ines Laklalech became the first Moroccan, first Arab and first North African woman to win a title on the LET.
After a final round 68, the Moroccan found herself in a share of the lead with three time LET winner, Meghan MacLaren, who had fired a round of 67 to pull alongside Laklalech at the top of the leaderboard.
As the duo headed to a playoff, it was Laklalech who got the better of the Englishwoman, as she secured her first title since earning her 2022 Tour card in December.
A post shared by Ladies European Tour (@letgolf)
A photo posted by on
Beginning the final day, it was the Moroccan who started one shot ahead of MacLaren, following a second round of five-under-par 66 in windy conditions. Along with MacLaren, there were also players like Solheim Cup star, Celine Boutier, in contention, with the 28-year-old just two shots back of Laklalech.
As crowds watched on at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, Laklalech and MacLaren couldn't be separated over the front nine, as both moved to 13-under-par for the tournament and opened up a four shot gap over their nearest rivals.
As the back nine began, it was the Englishwoman who took the advantage as she moved to 15-under-par for the tournament. However, Laklalech held on to her opponent and, coming down the last, neither could pull ahead as we headed to extra holes.
In the playoff, Laklalech couldn't be stopped and, despite missing a short putt on the 18th, she tapped-in for an historic title and a moment she won't forget as she becomes the first Arab winner on the LET.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
After securing her card back in December, Laklalech had become only the second ever Arab player on the LET, after fellow Moroccan, Maha Haddioui.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
Jinichiro Kozuma Facts: 12 Things You Didn't Know About The Japanese LIV Golfer
Learn more about the life and career of Japanese LIV Golf League pro, Jinichiro Kozuma via the following facts...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Treat The Golfer In Your Life This Christmas And Save Big With $700 Savings On Stewart Golf Electric Trolleys
Golf Monthly experts rate these remote control golf trolleys as some of the best available, on offer right now in these brilliant Christmas golf deals
By Paul Brett Published
-
NCAA Div 1 Champion, World No.14 And LET Winners Amongst 26 Players Who Secured 2025 LPGA Tour Cards
After almost a week of drama, 26 players have secured their playing rights on the LPGA Tour for 2025, with 10 rookies joining the top circuit
By Matt Cradock Published
-
American Pro DQ'd From LET Q-School Without Hitting A Shot
Gabby Lemieux travelled over to North Africa for Ladies European Tour Q-School but was disqualified on the first morning of action
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Odds, Picks And Predictions
The mixed pairs event returns for another year, with 32 of the biggest names from both the PGA and LPGA Tour circuits featuring once again
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Nelly Korda One Of Three Golfers In Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2024 As Tennis Continues To Dominate
Korda topped the total earnings for a female golfer in 2024, but one of her rivals picked up more money from on-course achievements...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
‘Every Time I Would Think About It Or I'd Have Them Conversations, I Would Get A Little Bit Upset' - Amy Boulden Opens Up On Retirement Decision
Amy Boulden officially retired from pro golf recently but shared that she is not completely closed off to the idea of making tour starts again one day...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'The Greatest Achievement I’ve Earned In My Life Taken From Me” - Transgender Golfer Hailey Davidson Responds To LPGA Ban
Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson has responded to being banned by the LPGA with several posts on social media crtitcizing the decision
By Paul Higham Published
-
'I'd Rather Fail At Golf Than Motherhood' - Why Amy Olson Retired Around 30 (And Many Of Her Peers Have Done The Same)
Former LPGA Tour pro Amy Olson explains why female players are more likely to suffer from burnout at an earlier age than their male counterparts
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Transgender Golfer Hailey Davidson Banned From LPGA After Gender Policy Update
The LPGA has updated a key policy meaning that from the 2025 season, athletes who transitioned following puberty will not be allowed to play in its competitions
By Mike Hall Published