Patricia Schmidt returns to Brussels this week for the Hulencourt Women’s Open, bringing with her fond memories of her last visit to Belgium.
Belgium last hosted a Ladies European Tour (LET) event in 2023 at Naxhelet Golf Club, where Schmidt clinched her maiden LET title with an impressive two-shot victory over fellow German Chiara Noja and Spain’s Maria Hernandez.
“It’s great to be back in Belgium – it definitely gives me a confidence boost having won here last time albeit on a different course,” said the 29-year-old LET winner.
The German player has fond memories as her Dad was caddying for her last time.
“It was actually the first time he ever came to a golf tournament,” Schmidt recalled. “I was a bit nervous at first since we’d never done it before, and he’d never been to a professional event. I was so focused on how that would go, I didn’t even realise how well I was playing.”
This week, her parents are both back by her side. “Mum and Dad arrived earlier this week – Mum’s walking, and Dad’s caddying again.”
Schmidt closed out her victory in 2023 with a stellar final round 66, highlighted by an eagle on the 15th hole.
“My long game was really solid that week, and the eagle definitely helped seal it.”
Heading into Hulencourt, Schmidt is riding a wave of momentum with back-to-back top-10 finishes at the Jabra Ladies Open and Tenerife Women’s Open.
“I’m really happy with how my game is shaping up. In the final round in Tenerife, I was five-under par through six holes. I felt like I couldn’t miss a putt – which is a big deal for me because putting has often been a struggle.”
Reflecting on her season so far, Schmidt admits it didn’t start as strongly as she’d hoped, but consistency is beginning to show.
“I’ve had a bit of a slow start, but I feel like things are coming together now.”
This week’s course presents a different challenge compared to Tenerife.
“When I got here, I joked that I need to become friends with my driver again. I only hit about three drivers last week – this course demands a lot more off the tee. It’s all about being precise and having good distance. Plus, the course is starting to firm up with the warmer weather expected tomorrow and Friday.”
Off the course, Schmidt has been spending time with fellow LET player and good friend, Cara Gainer.
“Cara’s been playing really well so I’m so happy she finally got the win in Morocco. I think I actually had tears in eyes when I saw it because she’s come runner-up so many times. We’re playing practice rounds together all the time, and you really get to know each other’s games. We’re pushing each other but also there for one another when one has a really good week or the other doesn’t. It’s kind of a family away from home, I feel with her we’re always travelling together and you’re travelling with a family friend.”
As for this week, Schmidt remains hopeful and focused.
“I’d absolutely love to do it again. Especially since last week, I was getting quite close at one point. I just couldn’t keep up the pace during the back nine, so we’ll see what happens.”
You can follow all the action throughout the tournament on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #HulencourtWomensOpen.
