Moroccan golfer Ines Laklalech makes history, winning 32nd Lacoste Ladies Open

The Moroccan golfer Ines Laklalech won the 32nd edition of the Lacoste Ladies Open de France on Saturday, becoming the first Moroccan, Arab, and North African winner of the Ladies European Tour.

“It feels amazing,” the athlete told the BBC. “I’m surprised because the last time I was in contention was in Sweden at the Skafto Open and I lost it over the last few holes.”

“I was just too tense physically and I was surprised with the way I felt physically today. I didn’t control anything. I felt sure that the past experience in Sweden would help me today and it did. I just played my game, played quite well and I’m just so happy.”

“Of course going to the tee box in the playoff I felt very nervous but I hit a good shot and it was unfortunate how it ended, because Meghan didn’t have a good lie, but I feel like this is a two-in-one,” she explained. “I experienced a play-off and a victory at the same time. This is definitely something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

In defeating Meghan MacLaren in a play-off, the 24-year-old became the first Moroccan, the first Arab and the first North African woman to win a Ladies European Tour title, according to the Tour.

She added: “Morocco is doing a great job in promoting golf and I think having a Moroccan winning on a major tour will be huge for the country and for the Arab world in general,” reports CNN.

Laklalech had finished level with England’s MacLaren on 14-under par. The pair returned to the 18th for the play-off, where MacLaren could only manage a six while Laklalech carded five.

The championship holder, Celine Boutier, placed sixth in the rankings, while the other French player, Anaïs Meyssonnier, ended in fourth place.

Indian Diksha Dagar ranked third (64), completing the podium.

Maha Haddioui, another competing Moroccan golfer, ranked 20th.

Laklalech’s victory enabled her to qualify for the big tournament of the Race to Costa del Sol.