HILTON GRAND VACATIONS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

January 21, 2022

Celine Boutier

Lake Nona Golf & Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Celine, got off to a hot start, couple birdies back to back, six in total. Take us through your round. How did it go out there?

CELINE BOUTIER: Yeah, was just hitting really solid and I feel like I had a lot of birdie opportunities, especially on the front, so I took advantage of them.

I feel like yesterday I also was off to a really good start and struggled a bit in the middle. Today was a lot more steady. Yeah, super happy with the way I'm playing now.

Q. How did you find Lake Nona and have you ever played this golf course prior to this week?

CELINE BOUTIER: Yes, I have played in the Gainbridge last year, so I did know the course a little bit. It seems like the greens are getting a little bit firmer, but it's been nice, because it hasn't been as windy as during the practice rounds. It feels like it's playing a bit easier than what we played beginning of the week.

Q. Last year CME you were playing really well; had a pretty good finish to 2021. What are some goals for 2022?

CELINE BOUTIER: Just try to get my whole game, putting to go driving in shape. I feel like hopefully this year I can win some more and just try to get better and improve from last season.

Q. You played so nice at the end of last season. Do you feel like you carry some momentum into a new year?

CELINE BOUTIER: I mean, I hope so. I definitely feel more confident and I just feel like I can, you know, even improve from last year.

So I feel like it's not really momentum though because it's just off-season has been a little bit longer this year, but I definitely feel like I hope I can improve from last year.

Q. And last year here I guess at the Gainbridge, you said different conditions. It was rare missed cut for you. Are there still things you took from playing here you put into work this week?

CELINE BOUTIER: I just feel like my game is very different from last year, and then especially beginning of the season last year I just struggled a bit. I just didn't feel ready. Kind of nothing was going my way.

So I feel like I'm in a different headspace and different stage of my game, so I couldn't really take away anything from it. I think I also gained a little bit of distance.

But, yeah, I think I just try to start from scratch, especially because it's not really good memories from last year, so I just feel like I got to start over.

Q. And finally, what impressed you with Mardy's game?

CELINE BOUTIER: I mean, so impressed. I feel like he could totally be a pro. I played with him two years ago so I knew I had to get it together otherwise he was going to beta me, which is pretty embarrassing.

So I definitely -- I mean, I'm really impressed, especially with his putting. I feel like his stroke is really pure and the ball is rolling so well. He's a great player.

Q. And I saw you got that little photo op with Mardy. How cool is it for to you get to play with these former professional athletes and get to interact with them?

CELINE BOUTIER: Yeah, it's pretty unbelievable just to see. A lot of them are like Hall of Famers and have achieved these like unbelievable. I just told Mardy I was watched a documentary on Netflix like few months ago, and it's so crazy to see that they're actually normal somewhat, or trying to be.

But they're very approachable and respectful of what we do, so it's very nice to be able to play with them.

Q. You been out here a while; couple wins. Are you picking the brain of these former athletes when you're out there playing golf with them?

CELINE BOUTIER: Definitely. I try to, but I feel like it's hard to also at the same time engage with them on a deeper level and be focused on your game.

So it's a little bit of a balance, but I definitely love to have these conversations with them.

Q. And just heading into the weekend, a little bit of wetter weather and colder conditions. How will you prepare for Saturday and Sunday?

CELINE BOUTIER: I feel like the beginning of the week was pretty windy, so I've definitely seen the course under those conditions. Obviously rain is not ideal, but growing up in had France we had a lot of rain, so it's not that big of a deal to me.