French amateur Marine Griffaut, the 2021 Montauban Ladies Open champion, is vying for another win this year when the tournament gets underway tomorrow at Golf de Montauban.
Griffaut secured a three-shot victory two years ago ahead of Czech player Tereza Melecka carding rounds of 73, 66 and 70 to finish on seven-under-par.
The 21-year-old from Coulommiers, France has some great memories from this event and it’s a winning feeling that she is keen to rediscover.
“I just got goosebumps thinking about the win two years ago,” Griffaut said, “It was one of the best moments in my career.
“I was originally on the waiting list for that tournament so to then go on and win it was amazing.
“I do feel like all eyes are on me, but I am trying to enjoy the tournament and keep my expectations low. That will help me enjoy the process and not get too much frustration.
“I’ve got to keep my cool and take it day by day, shot by shot.”
Speaking about the challenge of Golf de Montauban L’Estang, which has hosted the event three times previously, Griffaut said: “The most important thing on the course is to hit the fairways. That will be my main goal for the week.”
“The course set up is a bit different this year, which is good to not have the same order of holes as two years ago. That will help me mentally.
“I played the US qualifier last week in Belgium and the course was similar there, so it was good practice.
“The most important thing with this course is to hit the fairways. That will be my main goal for the week.”
Griffaut is currently at college in the US majoring in Mass Communication but is set on turning professional next year.
“This year has been a good year playing for Texas State. I changed my swing in the winter which has improved my game. I just need to believe in my swing, trust it and the results will follow.
“I’m sure good things are going to happen, we will see. I’m playing the LET Access event in Demark later this year and I’m very excited.”
As the only previous winner in the draw, Griffaut has her eyes on the prize here in Montauban and dreams of picking up the Olympe De Gouges Trophy once again.
“Of course, I want to win,” she said, “Who wouldn’t? If I do, I will be immensely proud of myself.
“It’s probably going to be one of the toughest three days as people have expectations, I want to do good and have my name on the top.”
The French amateur starts her campaign for the win at 9:00am local time tomorrow.
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