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.
Aditi Singh
LPGA Pros Who’ve Raised Trophies—and KidsLet's celebrate the incredible journeys of 15 legendary female golfers who have not only excelled on the course but have also embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood. Their stories inspire us to believe that it's possible to achieve greatness both in our careers and in our personal lives. Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY SportsAnnika Sörenstam, a Swedish golf legend, began her professional career in 1992 and quickly rose to prominence with 10 major championships. After retiring in 2008, she embraced motherhood, welcoming two children with her husband, Mike McGee. Despite stepping away from competitive golf, Sörenstam has remained active in the sport, focusing on golf course design and mentoring young players, proving that her passion for the game continues beyond the fairways. Courtesy of Annika SorenstamBrittany Lincicome, known for her powerful drives, turned professional in 2005 and secured her first LPGA victory in 2006. In 2018, she became a mother, balancing the demands of professional golf with parenthood. Lincicome continues to compete at the highest level, inspiring others with her resilience and dedication to both her family and her career. Courtesy of Brittany LincicomeSuzann Pettersen, the Norwegian golf star, retired in 2013 after a decorated career filled with Solheim Cups and LPGA wins. Since then, she has focused on raising her two children and embracing family life, proving that the joys of motherhood can be as rewarding as lifting a trophy. Pettersen’s journey is a reminder that balancing parenthood and a life once defined by competitive sport is its own kind of victory. @suzannpettersen/XCristie Kerr, a major champion, faced fertility challenges before becoming a mother. She welcomed her son in 2013 through gestational surrogacy. Kerr continues to compete professionally, embodying the strength and determination required to balance a demanding career with motherhood. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of personal challenges. Mark Newcombe/ImagoAustralian golf icon Karrie Webb began her professional career in 1994 and quickly became a dominant force in women's golf. After taking a break to focus on family, she returned to competitive play, demonstrating her enduring skill and passion for the game. Webb's journey exemplifies the possibility of maintaining a successful career in golf while embracing the role of a mother. Christopher A. record//ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoPaula Creamer, known as the "Pink Panther," turned professional in 2005 and won the U.S. Women's Open in 2010. She welcomed her daughter, Hilton Rose, in 2022. Creamer continues to balance her professional golf career with motherhood, inspiring others with her dedication and resilience. Her journey reflects the challenges and rewards of balancing personal and professional aspirations. @paulacreamer1/InstagramInbee Park, a South Korean golf champion who turned professional in 2006 and has won seven major championships, welcomed her daughter a few years back in 2023, and now she continues to compete at the highest levels, demonstrating the capability and ability of handling her personal life beautifully as she has done in her professional career. Park's shows the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving success both on and off the course. Jim Cowsert/Newscom World/ImagoJessica welcomed her son in 2024 and continues to compete professionally, balancing the demands of motherhood with her golf career. Korda's journey reflects the evolving role of women in professional sports and the importance of family support in achieving success. @thejessicakorda/InstagramStacy Lewis, a former world No. 1, welcomed her daughter in 2018. She returned to competitive golf shortly after and won the 2020 Scottish Open, becoming the last LPGA mother to win a tour event. highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being a working mother in professional sports. @girlsgolf/InstagramEven after her son was born in 2023, Mel continued to compete internationally, showcasing the balance between motherhood and a professional golf career. Reid's journey reflects the evolving landscape of women's sports and the importance of family in achieving personal and professional goals. Mel Reid/InstagramAustin Ernst, an American golfer, turned professional in 2012 and has secured multiple LPGA victories. She welcomed her son in 2023 and returned to the tour after maternity leave, demonstrating the resilience and determination required to balance motherhood with a professional golf career. Ernst's journey highlights the importance of support systems and personal drive in achieving success both on and off the course. Timothy J. Gonzalez APSouth Korea’s Chella Choi turned professional in 2007 and competes on the LPGA Tour. She welcomed her son in 2024 and continues to balance her child with her golfing career. Choi’s story demonstrates perseverance and dedication, showing how raising children and pursuing professional success can go hand in hand. Kyle Terada, USA TODAY SportsGerman golfer Caroline Masson turned professional in 2011 and competes on both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours. She became a mother in 2023 and continues to manage her career and family life. Masson’s journey illustrates the importance of planning, support, and determination in achieving a balance between motherhood and professional sports. AP Photo/John LocherBrittany welcomed her son in 2024 and returned to the tour strong after giving birth. Altomare’s story reflects resilience, showing that motherhood and high-level sports performance can complement each other when approached with focus and dedication, as she did from 2012 until winning multiple LPGA trophies. Provided by Brittany AltomareMichelle Wie West, a major champion, retired from professional golf in 2023 after a successful career. She welcomed her daughter in 2020 and her son in 2024. Wie West is now focusing on family life, philanthropy, and promoting women's sports, balancing her passions with motherhood. Her journey highlights the significance of personal fulfilment and the evolving role of women in sports, extending beyond their playing careers. Michelle Wie/Instagram
