Laetitia Beck’s sister wasn’t quite sure about the new hats she had made for LPGA qualifying school. With antisemitism rising across the U.S., was it really a good idea to publicly display Jewish symbols?
But Beck, 31, wasn’t backing down. In fact, she kept adding more – wearing the Israeli flag and Star of David on her hat, necklace, belt buckle, bracelet and shoes.
“I know the Israeli government sends warnings when we travel not to wear the Jewish symbols, but again,” said Beck, “I made those hats because I wanted to wear it. … That’s very important for me, to show my identity.”
Eight years ago, Beck became the first Israeli player to earn an LPGA card. On Wednesday in Mobile, Alabama, she earned back full LPGA status for the first time in five years, carding a final-round 5-under 67 to finish in a tie for 10th at Q-Series, earning the highest category of status available.
Her family’s past has always played a big role in driving Beck to make history for her community and for her country. Her maternal grandparents endured the unimaginable at Auschwitz, while her paternal grandparents moved around in hiding during World War II. Beck and her mother talk almost daily about the Holocaust.
Laetitia Beck of Israel plays her shot from the third tee during the sixth round of LPGA Q-School at Magnolia Grove Golf Course on December 06, 2023 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
It’s been two months now since southern Israel was attacked by Hamas militants, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking more than 240 people hostage.
“I didn’t try to put too much pressure,” she said of getting the Israeli flag back on the LPGA, “but I knew that it was pretty big for me, knowing what was going on.”
Since the war began, Beck’s family Whatsapp conversation includes updates from Tel Aviv on who’s in what bomb shelter at any given moment. Missel sirens have become an everyday occurrence for her parents and siblings.
Even so, Beck said that when she checks in on loved ones, they’re often out having coffee with friends or headed to the beach.
“It just shows you that my family – we are obviously devastated with what happened on the seventh,” said Beck, “but day to day we are trying to still live our lives.”
After picking up presents for her nieces and nephews, Beck will head back home to Israel for two weeks. She wanted to be there months ago, but after finishing 20th on the Epson Tour money list…
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