Boutier Clinches Coveted Tiger Trophy at the Maybank Championship with Thrilling Playoff Victory

The golf world witnessed a spectacular comeback when France's Celine Boutier won for the fourth time in 2023 and emerged victorious in the inaugural Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club today, but not before enduring a marathon nine-hole playoff win over Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul. 

Overcoming a one-stroke deficit on the final day, Boutier claimed a LPGA Tour victory after they traded nail-biting sequences in a record-equalling playoff on the LPGA Tour that was held on the 18th (par 5) and 15th (par 3) holes, showcasing exceptional skill in the US$3 million tournament. 

Boutier's journey to victory unfolded over a four-day competition, in which she demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, finishing with a 21-under-par 267 total, alongside Thitikul. This outstanding achievement places her in the esteemed company of this year's multiple winners, a roster that has already witnessed a number of rising stars in women's golf. 

Maybank Group President and CEO Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli congratulated Boutier, emphasising the event's aspiration to deliver a world-class event with the aspiration to elevate women’s golf in Malaysia and the ASEAN region, while also inspiring the next generation of young female golfers. 

“Celine’s victory at the Maybank Championship 2023 not only marks today’s success but also lays the foundation for future triumphs. This victory is a testament to what this tournament is all about – celebrating women’s golfing prowess and ushering in a new era for the sport in ASEAN. We hope this tournament will inspire more talents to pick up this beautiful game. I am proud to say this year’s Maybank Championship witnessed an impressive turnout of over 50,000 spectators over the four days. 

 “The playoff was an emotional roller-coaster that touched everyone. It underscored the competitiveness of these professionals and lent weight to the tournament's standing as among the best in the world. Maybank, through its Humanising mission, has always strived to become a growth driver, delivering social and economic benefits for the country; this tournament exemplifies that ambition.” 

Delighted with her win, Boutier said, ”I would like to thank Maybank, the LPGA Tour and all the sponsors for organising a fantastic event and allowing golfers to play on this beautiful course. I want to thank my coach, family, friends and all the fans for their support in getting me here today. I look forward to returning here next year and hopefully accomplish what I have achieved today.” 

Boutier more than matched Thitikul's performance in regulation, forcing a playoff on the 72nd hole. She followed up her third-day 69 yesterday with an eight-under 64 effort in the last round today. First and second-round leader Jasmine Suwannapura of Thailand and American Rose 

Zhang, who held a one-shot lead at the start of the fourth and final round, finished joint third on 19-under 269, while Peiyun Cien of Chinese Taipei was fifth, with 18-under 270. 

The Maybank Championship 2023, held from October 26-29 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, featured 78 women competitors in a no-cut event. Beyond being a remarkable sporting event, the Maybank Championship 2023 signifies Maybank's unwavering 14-year commitment to the world of golf. This evolution of golf aims to accelerate women’s golf and contribute to shaping women’s professional golf to inspire the next generation of golfers in Malaysia and around the region. 

For the complete scoreboard, visit: https://media.lpga.com/ 

Main photo: Maybank Championship 2023 Champion; Celine Boutier from France, Celebrating with the Tiger Trophy, After a Nine Hole Thrilling Play-Off Victory Against Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul.