CME GROUP TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

November 21, 2024

Celine Boutier

Tiburon Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. All right, here with Celine after her first round at the CME Group Tour Championship. 5-under to start this tournament. Just talk about your highlights out there.

CELINE BOUTIER: Yeah, I thought it was a pretty solid day. Took definitely a little bit of a few holes to get in the groove, but I was able to have my first two birdies on 7 and 8, which kind of really helped me get going.

And then hit it close on a few holes in the back and was able to shoot a low score.

So I think I'm pretty happy with the way I have played and the way I scored today.

Q. Not your first time at this tournament. What do you remember about coming back to this event?

CELINE BOUTIER: I think it's just a fun last tournament. You know, it's always a great setup. It's also the last tournament; such a big event. They always do a great job so you're always happy. Also looking forward having one last go at it before the end of the season.

So I've always had fun memories. I also remember playing well in the past two, so it's always fun to come back.

Q. Being one of the 60 players in this field to make it in, what would you say about your season up to this point to get you here?

CELINE BOUTIER: I think it was a very interesting season for me. I think it definitely took me a while to be able to perform. I feel like I didn't play my best for first half of the season, and I'm finally able to see some results last few weeks, last few months.

It's been nice. It's definitely been a learning curve this year, but it's part of the game. I feel like there is definitely only ups and some downs always in a season and in a career.

Overall pretty happy. I hopefully get another opportunity this week to be in contention, but other than that, pretty satisfied with the season.

Q. I know you've won and had success on a variety of different types of golf courses. You tend to come to Tiburon and enjoy it; play well. What is it about this golf course that really suits your eye or suits your game?

CELINE BOUTIER: I think just being able to have some good memories on this course. That I've performed well in the past always helps and bring a little bit more confidence. Because it's the last tournament, end of the season, my family always comes, so it's always. Also nice because you know that you're towards the end.

So you're just like happy. I think everybody is just happy to be qualified for this tournament and so it's just good vibes. Overall, yeah, always a good week.

Q. I know it was going to be difficult to follow up last year this year. For you, what kind of grade would you give your 2024 season thus far? Obviously three rounds to go here. And why would you give yourself that grade?

CELINE BOUTIER: It's tough. I feel like I've definitely had a first half that was not really good at all. I didn't feel satisfied with it.

And then the middle was kind of like coming together but still no results. The game was there but wasn't able to score.

And then the last few months I feel like definitely the results have been coming in and the game is obviously trending in a good direction. So I think it's very satisfying just to see that it's finally coming together.

Obviously I wish it was coming together a little bit quicker, earlier in the season, but better late than never.

I feel like there is going to be some ups and downs during the season, and the fact that I was able to finish the season strong, hopefully same this week, has been pretty positive.

I think for a season that I haven't won yet and still managed to get few Top 10s and be in contention is always positive. Obviously also a little bit disappointed that I wasn't able to back up my season from last year.

Q. Finally, what is the mindset heading into the next three rounds getting off to a really strong start?

CELINE BOUTIER: I think I just need to keep going in this direction. There is just still so much that can happen and so many holes and so much golf level. I'm just going to try to stay patient and keep putting some good scores together. Hopefully get a good chance on Sunday.

Q. We head into the off-season, but you also have the Grant Thornton in a couple weeks back here. What are you looking forward to most about that kind of fun event?

CELINE BOUTIER: I think I'm looking forward to play with Matthieu, the other French player I'm teaming up with. Haven't really played that much golf with him. I met him at Olympics and he seems great and in good form. I'm sure it's going to be a really enjoyable week.