Read the full article in French in Sportsmag
Read translation here :
The 18-year-old from Cassis has recently turned professional. Her journey, which seems preordained, positions her as the future shining star of French women’s golf. As the first French amateur in history to win a professional tournament, the promising talent from Cassis possesses all the qualities needed to become a leading figure in golf.
This is the trajectory of a white ball prodigy. At the age of 7, she began playing this sport, which is singular in its technical and mental demands. She honed her early skills at the Frégate golf course under the guidance of her coach, Julien Fritz, who has remained her mentor. ‘I’ve seen many children come through, but Lucie is different. Even without formal lessons, she already had an exceptional swing and an extraordinary feel for the ball.’ Little by little, she began to leave her mark on youth competitions. She became the French U12 Champion, won the Evian Championship Junior in 2016 and 2017, the Belgian Internationals, and the Esmond Trophy. In short, she already boasts a trophy cabinet impressive for her age.
So naturally, by brushing with the world’s top 10 amateurs, Lucie Malchirand was already enjoying some highlights, such as playing on the unique Augusta course, the home of the Masters, where she finished 19th. Starting in 2020, she began to increasingly mingle with professional players, participating in her first prestigious US Open and the Ladies Open de France, finishing 26th. But it was on May 28 last year that she truly stepped into a new dimension, winning the Ladies Italian Open, her first professional tournament, all while still an amateur. This victory gave her the option to turn pro. Today, at only 18 years old, Lucie Malchirand, the rising star from Cassis, is ranked as the number 2 Frenchwoman and is poised to ascend to the highest global level.
Alexandre Pastorello / Olivier Navarranne
