Paju, Korea - England’s Charlotte Heath secured her breakthrough maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) title on Sunday, holding off a fierce final-round challenge to win the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf in Denia, Alicante.
Entering the final round with a four-shot advantage, the 24-year-old rookie weathered gusting winds and a tightening leaderboard to post a final-round 73. Finishing at 10-under-par 206, Heath sealed the two-stroke victory in style by pitching to nine feet on the 72nd hole and rolling in a birdie putt.
The win earns Heath a €150,000 winner’s check in her debut season on tour, overcoming previous close calls in her rookie campaign.
“It’s incredible,” said Heath, who credited caddie Alex Long for keeping her grounded during a high-pressure afternoon. “This year, I’ve gone out in the leading group twice before, so I guess it’s third time lucky. When the pressure is on, negative thoughts can creep in, so having someone calm alongside me made a huge difference.”
Fellow Englishwoman Alice Hewson surged into contention late with a birdie on the 18th to post an eight-under total, sharing second place alongside Italy’s Alessandra Fanali, who fired a round-of-the-day 68. Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall finished solo fourth at seven-under par, while Slovenia’s Pia Babnik matched the low round of the day with a 67 to tie for fifth at six-under alongside Germany’s Helen Briem.
Singapore’s Shannon Tan, Czechia’s Tereza Kazar Melecka, and Ireland’s Lauren Walsh finished tied for seventh at five-under par.
The LET now heads to Golf Club Milano for the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, scheduled for September 25 to 27.