Cara Gainer has every right to be beaming with confidence ahead of this week’s Ford Women’s NSW Open with the English star now holding a healthy lead in the Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit.
Having already hoisted silverware in the first event of the season, the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco, Gainer extended her lead at last week’s Australian Women’s Classic thanks to a solo second finish in Coffs Harbour.
Now on 825.18 points in the standings and leading Belgium’s Manon De Roey by 325.18 points, the 29-year-old is understandably on cloud nine as the circuit stops at Wollongong Golf Club this week.
“I can’t believe it really,” Gainer said. “I had such a good off-season and tightened up a few things in my swing. Going back to how I played in 2023. Back to neutral flight. I did a lot of good work with my coach and it’s obviously paying off. I’m really excited for the rest of the year. I’ve got a decent gap now but I want to continue playing good golf. I can look at my schedule a lot more now because I’ve got that cushion as number one.
“[Winning] the Order of Merit is getting more realistic. Even though it’s only been three events. I think I’ve got more points now than I did the whole of last season, which is pretty crazy to think! The goal moving forward is to try and get as many top fives as possible. Get those points and extend the lead. There’s lots to look forward to.”
The Englishwoman produced a big finish in Coffs Harbour last week birdying her final two holes to heap the pressure on De Roey coming in. Despite missing out on a playoff by one shot, Gainer was pleased with the result – especially given the disruption caused in the buildup to the event by Cyclone Alfred.
She explained: “On the final day I just wanted to shoot another three-under because you never know what the leaders might be up to. On the 15th hole I had a quick look at the scores and saw how many people were over par. I realised I was up the leaderboard and was able to finish with two birdies in the final two holes.
“It’s been a little up-and-down, having the first week cancelled wasn’t really ideal, but it was nice to be out playing last week. It was the first time in my career I haven’t had a practice round [because of the rain], but I’m glad we got out and it was a course which suited my style – quite tight, slopey greens. A lot of grain on the greens, pretty similar to Morocco I would say. I just tried to execute a similar game plan.”
As for this week, Gainer and the stars of the LET and WPGA Tour tee up at the wide-open Wollongong Golf Club for the 16th staging of the Ford Women’s NSW Open. The Order of Merit number one is expecting a different test entirely.
“I just played 18 holes which I don’t usually do, but I wanted the day off yesterday,” Gainer said. “I had quick look at the course. It’s beautiful. Stunning views. Right on the beach which is actually in play on a few holes. Hopefully we won’t have to make any trips over there! Very different to last week and very open. The putting should be easier. It’s an interesting test.”
The 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open gets underway on Thursday morning at 7:30am local time. Gainer will tee up in the first and second round alongside home favourite Kirsten Rudgeley and local amateur Ella Scaysbrook.
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