It wasn’t the result Laetitia Beck was hoping for in her first professional tournament, but if anyone can keep a poor performance in perspective, it’s the first Israeli woman ever to tee it up in a professional major.
A recent graduate of Duke and integral member of the Blue Devils’ national championship squad, Beck shot rounds of 78 and 77 at the Ricoh British Women’s Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, to miss the cut by five strokes. The Caesarea, Israel native only turned professional Monday after qualifying for her first major championship.
Beck turned in a 70 at Southport & Ainsdale GC to finish tied for fifth in Monday qualifying, and quickly made the decision to make the enormous leap for herself and her country. Israel—which has been at the center of the escalating conflict and rising death toll in the Gaza Strip—has a golf culture that is essentially nonexistent.
But Beck is hoping she can change that.
Regarding her mandatory military service that has been delayed as she pursues a professional golf career, Beck had some strong words in an interview with Golf Digest Wednesday before she made history.
"We all have to serve four years, and I want to serve, but I also think I can do more for my country by playing golf," Beck said.
The 22-year-old lived in Israel for the majority of her youth before moving to Florida to study golf at the IMG Academy. She was a four-time All-ACC performer during her time playing for legendary head coach Dan Brooks at Duke, and is hoping her collegiate experience prepared her to become an ambassador of sorts for her country using the game she loves.
Known for her calm demeanor and work ethic, Beck will try to build off her first professional event later this year when she tries to qualify for the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour.
Her qualifying journey will be delayed until after a trip to Israel to contemplate her military service, but she will be one of the most motivated golfers in the world when she returns to the course.
Devoutly religious—she once missed a collegiate event on Yom Kippur—Beck will undoubtedly always feel a strong connection to her homeland. Being a bright spot for a country in the midst of such huge turmoil is a heavy burden to carry, but is one she hopes will elevate her golf game to new heights.
"We watch every day and see all of the problems," Beck said.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.