Celine Herbin stands as one of France’s most dedicated professional golfers, having made her mark on both the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour over more than a decade.
The 42-year-old golfer has built an impressive career through determination and hard work, transitioning from a successful biochemical engineer to a professional athlete who has competed at the highest levels of women’s golf.
Celine Herbin’s Biography
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Céline Herbin |
Date of Birth | October 30, 1982 |
Age | 42 years old |
Education | Biochemical Engineering (INSA Toulouse), Marketing (HEC Paris), Exchange Student (Bucknell University) |
Nationality | French |
Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
Weight | N/A |
Turned Professional | 2009 |
Net Worth | Estimated $485,000 – $647,000 |
Career Earnings | Approximately $809,000 |
Relationship Status | Private |
Instagram Profile | N/A |
Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Celine Herbin’s golf journey began later than most professional golfers. She started playing golf at the age of 15 and a half when her family relocated to Mignaloux-Beauvoir. Before discovering golf, she was actively involved in other sports, including playing as a goalkeeper in boys’ football teams and practicing tennis in her hometown region of Normandy.
Her academic excellence matched her athletic abilities. While pursuing her degree in Biochemical Engineering at Institut national des sciences appliquées de Toulouse, she continued competing internationally.
During her junior year, she participated in an exchange program at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where she became a star performer on the Bucknell Bison women’s golf team. Her outstanding performance included setting several school records and winning the 2004 Georgetown Invitational.
After completing her engineering degree, Herbin furthered her education by pursuing a master’s degree in marketing at the prestigious HEC Paris.
This strong educational foundation would prove valuable throughout her career, demonstrating her commitment to both intellectual and athletic excellence.
Professional Career
Herbin’s transition from academia to professional golf was unconventional and required tremendous courage. After graduation, she worked as a biochemical engineer until age 27, when she made the bold decision to leave her stable career to pursue professional golf. Many people questioned her decision, calling her “crazy” for attempting to become a professional golfer when she wasn’t among France’s top amateur players.
She turned professional in 2009 and relocated to Pedreña in Cantabria, Spain. Her early professional years were challenging, as she struggled to earn her Ladies European Tour card. She spent time playing on the local Barnesto Tour in 2009 and 2010, followed by the LET Access Series in 2011, where she finished fourth at the Azores Ladies Open.
A turning point came in July 2011 when Vicente Ballesteros, brother of the legendary Seve Ballesteros, became her coach at Real Golf de Pedrena. Under his guidance, her game transformed dramatically. She secured a full LET card for 2012 by finishing tied seventh at Q-School that fall, marking the beginning of her successful professional career.
Caddie
Celine Herbin has worked with different caddies throughout her career, depending on the tournament and tour. During her notable 2019 victory at La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational, her caddie was Juan Ochoa, an Alps Tour professional with whom she had previously starred in a Spanish golf reality TV show nine years earlier.
Ochoa played a crucial role in her victory, helping keep her calm throughout the week and providing valuable assistance on the greens. Herbin credited him as being “awesome all week long” and noted how his presence allowed her to stay relaxed and focused during the tournament.
The partnership with Ochoa was particularly special given their previous relationship and shared experience in Spanish golf media. Their chemistry was evident during the tournament, as Herbin mentioned they chatted about many different topics, which helped her maintain composure while staying focused when approaching each shot.
Celine Herbin’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Celine Herbin’s estimated net worth ranges between $485,000 and $647,000.
Career Earnings
Year | LPGA Tour Earnings |
---|---|
2015 | $37,000 |
2016 | $90,577 |
2017 | $24,018 |
2018 | $119,398 |
2019 | $22,164 |
2020 | $14,951 |
2021 | $176,811 |
2022 | $31,842 |
2023 | $24,321 |
2024 | $9,700 |
Career Stats
Statistic | LPGA Tour | Ladies European Tour |
---|---|---|
Professional Wins | 0 | 2 |
Career Earnings | $550,782 | Approximately $258,000+ |
Best Major Finish | T14 (2021 U.S. Women’s Open) | N/A |
Top 10 Finishes | Multiple | Multiple |
Cuts Made Percentage | Variable by season | Strong record |
Current World Ranking | Not currently ranked | Active player |
Years Active | 2015-present | 2012-present |
Career Highlights | T8 Volunteers of America Classic | 2015 Lacoste Ladies Open de France Winner, 2019 La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational Winner |
FAQs
1. What did Celine Herbin do before becoming a professional golfer?
Before turning professional, Herbin worked as a biochemical engineer after graduating from Institut national des sciences appliquées de Toulouse. She left her engineering career at age 27 to pursue professional golf, a decision many considered risky given her late start in competitive golf.
2. How many professional tournaments has Celine Herbin won?
Herbin has won two professional tournaments, both on the Ladies European Tour. She claimed her first victory at the 2015 Lacoste Ladies Open de France in a playoff and won her second title at the 2019 La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational.
3. What is Celine Herbin’s best finish in major championships?
Her best major championship result was a tie for 14th place at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open at The Olympic Club. She has also competed in several other majors including the Women’s PGA Championship, Women’s British Open, and Evian Championship.
4. Who coaches Celine Herbin and how did this partnership begin?
Vicente Ballesteros, brother of golf legend Seve Ballesteros, has been her primary coach since July 2011. Their partnership began when Herbin was struggling to earn her Ladies European Tour card, and under his guidance, she completely transformed her game and secured full playing privileges.
5. What makes Herbin’s golf career unique compared to other professional golfers?
Herbin’s career is unique because she started golf relatively late at 15 and a half, worked as a biochemical engineer before turning professional at 29, and successfully competed on both European and American tours despite not being among France’s top amateur players initially.