Following one of the most stellar amateur careers in French golf history, armed with a scientific baccalaureate, Lucie Malchirand made the bold decision to leap into professional golf at the tender age of 18. Her journey is not just about playing golf; it’s about rewriting history. Today, she travels the globe, driven by a relentless ambition to ascend to the zenith of her sport.
As a rookie of the Ladies European Tour, Lucie’s aspirations for the upcoming season know no bounds. Her eyes are firmly set on the horizon, preparing diligently to join the top LET and qualify for the prestigious LPGA. Lucie represents more than just a golfer; she’s a beacon of inspiration, a blend of intellectual prowess and athletic brilliance, poised to leave an indelible mark on the world stage.
Nestled in the vibrant village of Cassis in France, Lucie Malchirand’s environment is a beautiful blend of the serene Mediterranean and the spirited world of golf. Living by the Med, she savours the tranquility and beauty of the sea, finding balance and inspiration, especially in the moments between her tournament schedule.
Lucie’s passion for sports is rooted in her family’s legacy. With athletic parents who practiced their sport at the highest levels, the spirit of competition runs in her veins. It was under their guidance and encouragement that she, at the tender age of four, first swung a golf club, igniting a lifelong story with this complete sport.
By the age of 10, Lucie Malchirand was not only competing but also claiming victory in her very first tournament. This early success was more than a win; it was a revelation, fuelling her passion and commitment to golf. She immersed herself in the sport, dedicating countless hours to perfecting her play.
Lucie’s journey is not just marked by her strides on the golf course, but also in her academic pursuits. Opting for homeschooling at the age of 13 to better juggle her golf training, she has shown remarkable prowess in balancing her sport with her studies. Her recent achievement with a scientific Baccalauréat, where she passed with flying colours, stands as a testament to her exceptional dedication, both as a student and an athlete.
Julien Fritz, her golf coach has been a guiding force since she was just seven years old.
His deep understanding of Lucie's talents and potential, honed over years of close collaboration, has been instrumental in shaping her into the champion she is today.
Didier Farrugia, a cornerstone of Lucie's support team, oversees her physical preparation at HumanFab, a center renowned for its expertise in sport and performance.
Didier's comprehensive approach ensures Lucie's peak physical health and resilience, which are as crucial as her technical skills in achieving sustained success in her golfing career.
David’s expertise has been vital in refining Lucie's skills on the greens, a crucial aspect of her game.
David's role goes beyond mere technical training; he has been instrumental in building Lucie’s confidence and precision, key elements that have significantly contributed to her impressive performances in high-stakes moments.
Karine Gillot plays a critical role in Lucie Malchirand's team as her mental coach.
Her guidance in mental strength and resilience is key to Lucie's performance, especially in high-pressure situations on the golf course. Karine's expertise in sports psychology helps Lucie maintain focus, confidence, and a positive mindset, all essential elements for success in competitive golf.
Remy Malchirand is more than just Lucie's father; he's her unwavering pillar of support and a passionate companion on her golf journey.
From the very beginning, Remy has been by Lucie's side, providing encouragement and guidance through every twist and turn. His dedication to her success is palpable, often becoming more emotionally invested in her tournaments than Lucie herself! Remy's role extends beyond a typical parent; he's a source of inspiration and determination for his daughter, making their golfing journey a heartwarming and compelling story of family support in the world of sports.
Anne Malchirand, an ex-professional tennis player, is not only Lucie's mother but also her unwavering support system throughout her journey in professional golf. Anne's dedication knows no bounds, as she has chaperoned Lucie across the globe, ensuring she's always in the best position to compete and succeed.
Beyond that, Anne who has a masters in Finance, has taken on the role of homeschooling Lucie, resulting in remarkable academic achievements. Her presence is essential not only to Lucie's career but also to the overall balance in her life. Anne's love and support are the driving forces behind Lucie's success, making her a truly invaluable part of the journey.
Tiger Woods would definitely top my list. I’d love to hear about his experiences, victories, and what drives him. He’s been the most inspirational athlete to me.
Rafael Nadal would be next. Growing up with a mum who played tennis at a high level, I’ve always been a tennis fan, especially of Rafa! He’s a role model, not just for his career achievements but also for his humility. Plus, Rafa’s a golfer too, having played in professional tournaments, so it would be quite something to beat the 14-time Roland Garros champion 😉
Lastly, I’d invite Lewis Hamilton. He’s another favourite athlete of mine. I’d relish the opportunity to discuss his experience as a seven-time Formula 1 world champion. As a huge Formula 1 enthusiast and a massive fan of Lewis, I’d enjoy chatting about fashion and cars with him while giving him a run for his money on the golf course!
Winning the Esmond 2019 stands out, where I triumphed in both the qualifiers and the match plays at just 16 years old. The 2019 season was incredibly significant for me as I was ranked number one in Europe and France, and I also broke into the top 10 in the world amateur rankings that year.
My victory at the Esmond earned me a spot in the junior Solheim Cup, which was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my sporting life so far.
My routine for preparing for a tournament is always the same. However, I have a lucky charm that accompanies me to every tournament (a huge teddy bear named Léo). This beloved teddy has been my good luck charm for years now, and even when its size means I have to leave it at home, I bring along its miniature version to ensure it’s always with me and travels with me. As for the game itself, before each tournament round, I spend a good fifteen minutes braiding my hair while visualizing each hole I’m about to play. The goal is to be mentally ready when I arrive at the first tee.
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur stands out as my fondest memory from my amateur golf career. Playing at Augusta and achieving a great result was the most incredible golfing experience of my life. The organisation was templated on a major tournament. We were showered with gifts, the course was fantastic and even more impressive than on TV. Playing on a course where all our idols have won and set records was an absolutely magnificent experience. Augusta is one of the most exclusive and legendary courses in the history of the Grand Slam. Having the opportunity to play there was an incredible experience.
I’m a big sports fan in general, particularly Formula 1, rugby, tennis… I have a huge interest in them, so I spend a lot of time following sports news.
I’m also a die-hard Star Wars fan! This saga has been a passion of mine since I was little. After a day competing, I enjoy watching a Star Wars movie, even though I’ve seen each film about a hundred times 😉 The characters inspire and fascinate me.
Being passionate about the sea and living in the south of France, I love swimming in the magnificent Mediterranean and diving there.
Currently, I listen to a lot of ‘house music.’ I find these tracks very uplifting and they put me in a good mood before I start my round of golf, my training, or just my day.
Some tracks I’m listening to at the moment:
-Les gouts’ by Keinemusik
-Horizon Red’ by Pete & Zoe Kypri
-‘Take it off’ by Fisher
Since I’ve always been passionate about sports, I’ve often envisioned a career as a professional athlete, pursuing my passion. Additionally, I have a keen interest in fashion and would relish the opportunity to create a women’s “prêt à porter” brand with a focus on lifestyle and sports. Thus, if my path hadn’t led me to becoming a professional athlete, I would have been thrilled to immerse myself in the world of fashion.
“Hard work always pays off”
Tiger Woods has always been a role model for me due to his daily dedication to work and his constant self-evaluation despite his results, achievements, and records. I strive to push myself to my limits every day to improve and always give the best of myself.
My preferred dish at home before heading off to a tournament would be a good plate of arrabiata pasta with a big, creamy burrata. There’s nothing better than pasta to prepare for a long tournament and a lot of physical effort.
I’ve got a dog called “Kim”. She’s a Pembroke Corgi who is a year old now. She goes wherever I go: errands, golf, and even when I go out with friends.
Fun fact about Kimi, she knows the Barbaroux course better than anyone 😉
