Duke’s Celine Boutier captures Ladies’ British Open Amateur title

Colin Farquharson, TSN via Duke Sports Information
Colin Farquharson, TSN via Duke Sports Information

NORTHERN IRELAND – Duke Blue Devils golfer Celine Boutier capped off a very impressive week of action with a 4-and-3 victory over Linnea Strom to claim the 2015 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship at the Portstewart Golf Club on Saturday.

Boutier, a native of Montrouge, France, became the eighth French-born winner since the championship began in 1893, and the first since 1999.

As the 2012 European ladies amateur champion, she previously lost in the Girls’ British Open Amateur final in 2011.

With her win, Boutier automatically qualified for the 2015 RICOH Womens’ British Open, the 2015 U.S. Womens’ Open and the 2015 Evian Championship.

“I am absolutely delighted,” Boutier said.

“I have played really well across a lot of matches this week which is great, but now I am pretty tired.”

Boutier took the first lead of the match on the fifth hole as Strom carded a bogey.

The Duke two-time All-America went 2-up after eight holes following another bogey by Strom.

However, a birdie by Strom on the ninth hole cut the lead to one as the two made the turn.

Strom bogied on the 10th and 12th holes which gave Boutier a 3-up lead.

Boutier won No. 13, but an eagle by Strom on the 14th cut the lead back to three with four to play.

Boutier finally ended the contest with a birdie at the short 15th for a 4-and-3 triumph.