Denmark’s Cecilie Finne-Ipsen flourished in her rookie year on the LET Access Series (LETAS) and is now hoping for more success in her second season on tour.
The 26-year-old finished 15th on the LETAS Order of Merit 2023 after three top 10 finishes and was fast-tracked to the final stage of Q School where after five gruelling rounds she proudly walked away with improved status, category 16.
Speaking about her Q School experience, Finne Ipsen said: “It was a tough week. I was proud of how I managed to hold on. On the fourth round, I was four over after 12 holes and I managed to get myself back in it.
“It was a good experience, and in that week, I definitely went through all the feels.”
Off the back of placing 45th in Q School, Finne-Ipsen was the last person to get into the LET’s Season Opener, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open and was happy to make her debut on the main tour.
“Kenya was my first LET event, so it was fun to try and see the next level. I felt I was unlucky all week and missed the cut by two shots, but it certainly hasn’t scared me away.
“It was crazy to walk around and then suddenly see a zebra. It was a very special thing.
“I was happy with my performance and can’t wait to get another playing opportunity on the LET.”
Golf is a family affair for Finne-Ipsen who first picked up a club when she started playing with her older sister and parents.
“I didn’t think golf was that interesting when I was younger because as a kid I just wanted to run around. I preferred Badminton. Only at 12 did I really get into it when I started to want to follow my sister who had become great.”
Finne-Ipsen’s first sporting love was Badminton and her older sister ended up turning professional in that sporting field instead.
“My sister is one of the people I look up to the most. So even though she can’t beat me in golf anymore and I can’t beat her in badminton, we can still push each other.”
Finne-Ipsen, like most professional golfers on tour went through the US college system and first stated at the University of Carolina but faced a setback when her coaches, who she was close to, were fired by seniors on her team.
Determined to not let that impact her game, Finne-Ipsen finished her college experience in Florida, transferring to Florida State before turning professional in January last year.
“I think things happen for a reason, but it was not how I had planned my college career to go. At Carolina, I was in a position where I was our number one or two player, and at Florida State, I was our number four or five.
“So I really had to play well and do well to get on the team. I think it’s made me stronger, kept me grounded and kept me working.”
Last year was a positive one for Finne-Ipsen who during a tense final day at the Trust Golf Link Series at Ramside Hall came close to a win.
During her rookie season, the Dane’s ball striking stood out as a defining feature of her game.
Now in 2024, Finne-Ipsen is keen to make her mark on a bigger stage but will also make appearances on LETAS including her home tournament, the Smorum Ladies Open.
“I have been trending in the right direction. It’s all baby steps. I have no goals for the year results wise, but I do want to take every opportunity to play and improve my status.
“I am a good ball striker. I think it comes more naturally when you spend a lot of time working indoors. I play with my heart, sometimes you need to play with your feelings.
“If I can improve that chipping and putting then it’s looking good.”
The LET Access Series schedule gets underway next month at the Terre Blanche Ladies Open, April 12-14.
In the meantime follow all the action at @LETAccess on Instagram and Twitter – #RaiseOurGame. #accesstolet
