There is just one event left in the 2024 Ladies European Tour (LET) schedule as the Tour heads to Malaga in Spain for the season finale.
Real Club Guadalhorce Golf will host the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho from November 28 – December 1.
Before play gets underway on Thursday, here are a few talking points ahead of the tournament starting…
Former champions in town
Defending champion Aditi Ashok will be hoping to retain her crown this week having secured a two-shot victory at the season finale in 2023.
However, the Indian isn’t the only former champion to be teeing it up this week with Caroline Hedwall, who won in 2022, and Carlota Ciganda, who took victory in 2021.
They are also joined by two-time winner of the tournament Anne Van Dam, who had back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019, as well as 2013 champion Lee-Anne Pace.
Another champion is in attendance this week with 2009 winner Becky Brewerton caddying for Italy’s Virginia Elena Carta.
Spanish representation
With the last event of the year being in Spain, the Spanish players are representing in their droves this week.
Of the field of 75 players, 17 of them are Spanish meaning over 22.67% of the field will be teeing it up on home soil.
Leading the charge is seven-time LET winner Carlota Ciganda alongside Carmen Alonso, Maria Hernandez, Nuria Iturrioz and Marta Martin.
LET winner Ana Peláez Trivino, who is from Malaga, is also in attendance having won on the Santander Spanish Women’s Professional Championship last week.
Celia Barquin Award
Three Spanish amateurs are getting the opportunity to play in their home open this week and competing for a special prize.
Three-time PING Junior Solheim Cup player Andrea Revuelta, Paula Martin Sampedro, who is 10th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and Carla Bernat will be playing in the season finale.
The Celie Barquin Award recognises the best amateur golf of the tournament and is named in honour of the talented player from Cantabria, who passed away in 2018.
Top 10 LPGA Q-Series
Despite the Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year titles being wrapped up, there is still plenty on the line this week in the final event.
The top 10 players in the 2024 LET Order of Merit secure their spot at next week’s Final Stage of LPGA Q-Series.
Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley currently sits just outside the top 10 and would likely need a top-18 finish to move into one of those spots.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Marta Martin and Czechia’s Sara Kouskova would need a top three finish to climb into the top 10.
Battle on the bubble
With it being the final event of the season, it’s also all to play for in the Order of Merit with the top 70 in the rankings securing a full LET card for the 2025 season.
The last player to get into the field was Sweden’s Sara Kjellker who is currently 83rd in the Order of Merit.
As it stands France’s Celine Herbin sits in the 70th spot but Kjellker is just 50 points behind the two-time LET winner and with a good finish, players will be able to secure their full rights for next year.
Those players who entered the tournament on an invite will not be able to earn OOM points, as there is no cut, unless they win the event.
Charity Partner
The Fundación Blanca is the official charity of this year’s Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España with the charity supporting and guiding athletes throughout their career, preparing them for a smooth and successful transition into their nice phase after retirement.
During the pro-am on hole two, there is a special closest-to-the-pin challenge where participants can donate a minimum of €20 which will go entirely to the foundation.
There will also be a sign near the fan village counting the number of birdies and eagles throughout the tournament with players being offered the chance to donate to the charity for every birdie and eagle they make during the tournament.
Follow all the action throughout the tournament on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #RaiseOurGame #OpenDeEspaña.
