There are more than just Major champions to watch on the home front at this week’s Women’s Australian Open with Kelsey Bennett also teeing up fresh off a “special” maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) victory.
The 26-year-old secured a stellar first win on the circuit at the Australian Women’s Classic where she held her nerve on the final day to win by four shots in front of family and friends.
Now heading into her home open at Kooyonga Golf Club, Bennett, leading the 2026 LET Order of Merit, has every front to be buzzing with confidence as she tees up alongside a stacked field of Aussies.
“It’s nice to have everyone congratulate you when you’re walking around,” she said. “It’s something I’ve been working towards for quite some time. To be able to actually have that happen and secure the next two years and get into the AIG Women’s Open – it’s pretty special.
“I’ve had so many people messaging and saying congratulations, which is really, really nice. It’s been insane. Got nothing to complain about there.”
Bennett is one of 31 Australians competing at this week’s Women’s Australian Open where she is joined by World No 4 Minjee Lee, World No 9 Hannah Green, Major champion Grace Kim and two-time LET winner Stephanie Kyriacou.
“It’s pretty special [to be up there alongside them]”, the Australian said. “It’s really been really good to see all the girls. Obviously, you don’t get to see them very often and I grew up with Grace and Steph. So yeah, to be able to catch up with them, it’s been really nice.”
The Women’s Australian Open is back on the LET schedule this week for the first time in 2016. The stunning Kooyonga Golf Club in Adelaide is on hosting duties where Bennett expects a testing challenge for all.
“It’s an unbelievable course,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s definitely going to be a ball-striker’s course. They’ve softened the greens up a little bit since Monday, which is nice. But yeah, you’ve still got to hit the right section of the green and the greens are running super fast. So I think in and around the greens is where you’re going to win it.
“I’m fairly confident. It’s golf and it’s a completely different golf course, so anything’s possible. I’m feeling a little tired so hopefully I can rest up this afternoon and be ready for tomorrow.”
The 2026 Women’s Australian Open gets underway on Thursday morning. Bennett will tee up in rounds one and two alongside Momoka Kobori of New Zealand and Australian amateur Raegan Denton.
Keep up with all the action across each tournament on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram and X and Ladies European Tour on Facebook and YouTube.
