(Washington) Inspired by her country’s historic World Cup run, Moroccan golfer Inès Laklalech has secured a spot on the 2023 LPGA Tour, following a successful run through the eight-round qualifying tournament that is over on Sunday.
Laklalech surrendered a 73 card at Highland Oaks in Dothan, Alabama, on Sunday to finish a total of 555 strokes (19 under par) and tie for 12e place, qualifying for the LPGA Tour, the American women’s professional golf circuit.
The 25-year-old, from Casablanca, had her fastest lap on Saturday, with a 66 (6 under par), the same day as the victory of the Moroccan national soccer team, which today became the first African and Arab team to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup, beating Portugal 1-0 in Qatar.
“I’m a big fan of the Moroccan national team, so I’m super, super happy,” Laklalech said. “It definitely gave me an extra boost (Saturday) on the course.”
Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui’s comments about his team left a lasting impression on Laklalech.
“I’ve been following what the national coach says about the team very closely, because it’s historic,” she said. “And his words really gave me confidence that anything is possible because that’s their mindset right now. »
“I think it’s all connected, because I watched the videos of the press conferences every day,” she added.
Laklalech won the Women’s French Open in September, an official competition of the Ladies European Tour (LET), thus becoming the first Moroccan and Arab golfer to win a tournament on the European circuit.