After seven years of trying, Céline Herbin has finally realised a dream, of playing in the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Fittingly, her debut appearance comes at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club, where her coach’s brother, Seve Ballesteros, won The Open Championship twice, in 1979 and 1988.
“He was here, my coach, in ’79, to give him a hug on the 18th hole,” enthused the 2015 Lacoste Ladies Open de France champion, referring to her coach, Vicente.
There is no doubt that Herbin is feeling inspired this week. Reflecting on her opening round of two-under-par 70, the Frenchwoman said: “It was good to play under par in a major. My game has been very steady today, I would say. I drove the ball pretty well, and when I missed, I made a good recovery, so three birdies, one bogey, on the easiest hole! So there is always margin to improve, but I’m happy with that.”
