Isabelle BOINEAU
Golfer

Isabelle received a grant to finance her participation in international competitions. 

What is your sporting background ?
I was inspired by the 1998 football World Cup and France's victory. At primary school, every noon, I used to play football matches with the boys and a few girlfriends! I did two years of judo, two years of tennis and two years of swimming. When I was nine and a half years old, I started golf, completely by chance, I was just having a drink at a small golf course next to my house because my parents and their friends wanted to try to hit some balls on the driving range. One person then advised us to take lessons. When I was 14, I won my first French Youth Championship and joined the French team for the France/Spain match (one of my best memories of the French team). At 19, I was offered a scholarship to play golf and study at the University of Arizona in the United States. 

How do you see your profession today ?
I love golf, competing and the adrenaline it gives me! My dream is to play on the LPGA Tour, the 1st division in the world, even if I am very happy on the Ladies’ European Tour! I'm lucky to work in a very beautiful setting, the atmosphere in Europe is competitive but everyone gets along well, everyone understands the difficulties and challenges that one encounters in order to make a living from our profession. Moreover, it is very interesting to share and understand the cultures of other players from all over Europe.

How do you see yourself in 5 years ? In 10 years ?
In 5 years, I would like to be on the LPGA and start a family. In 10 years, I would like to start a second career, maybe become a physiotherapist or work for a golf brand.

This interview was conducted in 2017
Photo credit: Céline Anaya Gautier