Rhodes Rises: England's Rookie Sensation Strikes Again
Back-to-back brilliance as Mimi Rhodes secures second consecutive LET victory
Augusta, Georgia - In golf, momentum isn't just crucial; it's magical. England’s dazzling new star Mimi Rhodes demonstrated precisely that by claiming her second Ladies European Tour (LET) title on the spin at the Joburg Ladies Open, underlining an already sparkling rookie season.
Just weeks after her victory at Australia's Ford Women’s NSW Open, Rhodes again seized the spotlight, showcasing composure beyond her 23 years at Modderfontein Golf Club in Johannesburg. Entering the final round with a sturdy three-shot lead over South Africa’s Casandra Alexander and Ireland’s Lauren Walsh, Rhodes navigated tricky conditions with the confidence of a seasoned champion, ending her final round with a composed 71 (-2) for a 14-under par total.
Despite relentless rain turning the course into a stern test of patience and nerve, Rhodes stood firm. "It’s honestly not sunk in yet," said an ecstatic Rhodes afterwards. "I’m really on a high and lost for words. I’ve been working so hard for this moment."
The drama, fittingly, came at the last. A slightly overcooked approach on the 18th almost opened the door for Alexander, but Rhodes coolly chipped close and tapped in to avoid a playoff. Reflecting on her decisive final hole, she remarked: “I'd been chipping pretty well all day and the shot just felt very comfortable. I'm glad I chose the one I did.”
Rhodes now finds herself walking in illustrious footsteps, emulating Sweden’s Linn Grant, who similarly secured two consecutive wins in her rookie season back in 2022. Aware of the significance of her accomplishment, Rhodes expressed heartfelt gratitude, adding, "I never imagined achieving this so early. It’s a dream come true."
Alexander, a past winner of the event, battled admirably, finishing just one shot shy at 13-under, cheered fervently by local fans. Rhodes graciously acknowledged the challenge: "There were a lot of fans cheering for Cas—it made it tough, but she played really well. I’m sorry to Joburg!"
Further back, Germany’s rising talent Helen Briem earned third place, a bogey-free final day securing her 11-under par finish. Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall and Ireland’s Lauren Walsh shared fourth at 10-under.
Rhodes now sits atop the LET Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year standings, proving her credentials as a genuine force on Tour. As the LET moves to Cape Town next week for the Investec SA Women’s Open at Erinvale, Rhodes carries not just trophies but the invaluable currency of confidence. "It’s amazing to win in another country," she smiled, anticipation sparkling in her eyes. "Let's keep the good golf going."