"Very Humbling": Celine Boutier’s Heartwarming Encounter With Young Cancer Survivor Before Her Latest Win
Dec 13, 2024; Naples, Florida, USA; Celine Boutier walks off of the first green during the first round of the Grant Thornton Invitational during the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Dec 13, 2024; Naples, Florida, USA; Celine Boutier walks off of the first green during the first round of the Grant Thornton Invitational during the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Celine Boutier made a comeback at the ShopRite LPGA powered by Wakefern on May 31, 2026, from four shots behind at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club to recapture the crown. Before she teed off for the final round, a wholesome meeting with a special fan defined her morning.
The French star met Evelyn King-White, a young First Tee member battling cancer, specifically Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Boutier personally delivered the exciting news that the young fan was going to Disney World.
"Yeah, I mean, it was really fun for me to be able to do that for her. I think, yeah, it was very humbling and very nice to be able to meet her," Boutier expressed during the press conference after the final round on May 31.
May 29, 2025; Erin, Wisconsin, USA; Celine Boutier during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
May 29, 2025; Erin, Wisconsin, USA; Celine Boutier during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Boutier has been a Make-A-Wish Foundation ambassador, and this meeting with the young fan was a result of the same. First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization founded by the major golf tours. First Tee supported Evelyn King-White through her difficult journey and made a meeting with Boutier possible.
This experience seemed to have given the boost she needed, per the press conference. Boutier came back from being four shots behind to shoot a five-under 66, securing a one-shot victory over Arpichaya Yubol. This marks Boutier's second ShopRite LPGA title in five years, her last being in 2021.
"It definitely felt very heartwarming to see her on the course and watching me after I had the chance to meet her. I definitely feel like we had a little bit of connection there," Boutier later shared.
The young girl was indeed present to serve as a good luck charm for the competitor. Their bond formed on Sunday morning made her seventh LPGA career victory even more memorable.
Celine Boutier’s Motivation Grounded in Giving Back
The encounter highlights Boutier's commitment to supporting children off the course. The professional always makes use of her fame and position to give back to young fans facing difficult personal adversity.
"I also started last year being the ambassador for Make a Wish in France, so very excited about that as well," Boutier revealed about her charitable work.
The LPGA Tour star is committed to fulfilling her promises of granting children their wishes.
"It's such a cool way to give back and be able to grant those wishes to children in need. So I think that's a very cool initiative," Boutier explained.
Boutier is certain that she can find meaning for her sports career by talking to children fighting diseases. Sharing the news of the Disney World trip helped Boutier connect with the young fan despite the tournament pressure.
"I was very honored to be able to do that, yeah," Boutier added.
Having finally achieved her goal at the tournament, Boutier now looks forward to competing at the U.S. Women's Open. She heads towards Los Angeles with renewed momentum.
What do you think of Celine Boutier's motivation to help children through her platform? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Abhishek Sharma
Edited by
Surjo Ray