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

Ines Laklalech hits a driver
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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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.

MacLaren hits a tee shot with a driver

MacLaren was looking for her second LET title of 2022

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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 Cradock
Equipment Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 in a freelance position before being offered a full-time role at the company in October 2022.

Previously covering news, e-commerce and social media, he is now an Equipment Writer, specializing in fairway woods, wedges and golf balls.

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 is a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine.

Matt’s current What’s in the Bag?

Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9°)

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Qi4D Tour (15° & 18°)

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB (4-PW)

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, (50°, 56°, 60°)

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: Titleist Pro V1