A year ago today, France’s Ariane Klotz was completing her Civil Engineering Masters in Switzerland, dreaming of becoming a professional golfer.
Now that dream is a reality after placing third at Q School Pre-Qualifiers and earning a good category on the LET Access Series (LETAS).
Klotz has proved she belongs on tour after a fantastic season so far, securing five top 10s including a highest finish of third at the last event, the PGA Championship Gothenburg.
The New Caledonian golfer currently sits third on the LETAS Order of Merit, 351 points behind Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall.
The Frenchwoman recalls the difficult week: “One of the objectives that I had for the first two days in Sweden was to not complain about the weather and just deal with it because it was the same for everybody.
“We had no control over the conditions so I just played golf and thought we will see what happens. That worked well for me.
“I was in an afternoon tee time, so we were stopped after four holes, so we didn’t finish until 9. It was just so windy, tough conditions but it was still fun.
“Finishing at nine in the evening and then having to return to the golf course at 7:20am the next day. It was tough but I’m so happy to have come out of it well and had those experiences.”
After placing too much pressure on her first tournament, the Terre Blanche Ladies Open where she placed tied 23rd, Klotz quickly learnt the importance of optimism on the golf course.
“I was a little bit disappointed after Terre Blanche. I was staying at home, and it was the closest I got to a home tournament having already played the course.
“I knew the course and I wanted to do well. I think I put too much pressure on myself.
“When we started back again in June. I decided to just play golf and see what happens. That attitude worked way better.
“I’m very happy with the way June and July turned out and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
The University of Delaware alumni has adapted to life on the road successfully and is loving every second.
After turning professional in January at the age of 26, Klotz is older than most to do this step, but she knows now is the right time.
“I like being on the road a lot. I graduated from a master’s degree in civil engineering in October and the only thing motivating me in getting that degree was knowing that I was going to get to play golf for a living.
“I thought golf was going to make everything better. So now it is living up to the expectations I had.”
Klotz didn’t know too many people before joining the tour but has been amazed by the friendliness of others and atmosphere on tour.
“It so much fun travelling, meeting new people and meeting new girls on tour. I think it’s a very friendly tour too so that makes it better.
“Getting to play golf every day and call that my profession. I guess that’s just so nice. It’s been my passion for a while now.
“So being able to play everyday and still enjoy it so much. I’m very privileged to be able to do my work.”
Klotz is now looking forward to the rest of the season and cementing her place in the top seven on the LETAS Order of Merit to earn her LET card for 2025.
LETAS next returns at the Smorum Ladies Open in Denmark on the 2nd of August.
In the meantime, follow all the action throughout the tournament on the LETAS social media channels – @letaccess on Instagram, X, and Ladies European Tour Access Series on Facebook – #RaiseOurGame #Access2Let #EnjoyTheGame.
