England’s Charlotte Heath secured her maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) title in dramatic fashion, holding off a host of challengers to win the La Sella Open in Denia, Alicante.
The 24-year-old rookie started the final round with a four-shot advantage and, despite seeing her lead disappear during a tense Sunday afternoon, held her composure to card a final-round 73 and finish at 10-under-par, two shots clear of the field.
After three weather-affected days, players arrived at La Sella Golf to clear blue skies and sunshine. With gusting winds adding an extra layer of difficulty, the stage was set for a thrilling finale at one of the LET’s premier events.
Heath’s front nine featured a solitary bogey at the fifth as she turned in 37, while Germany’s Helen Briem mounted a strong challenge and briefly drew level at nine-under-par through 13 holes. However, Briem immediately dropped a shot at the next, allowing Heath to reclaim the outright lead.
As Briem and Singapore’s Shannon Tan slipped back on the closing stretch, Italy’s Alessandra Fanali posted the clubhouse target at eight-under-par. The strongest challenge ultimately came from fellow Englishwoman Alice Hewson, who surged into contention with a birdie finish. Standing over an eagle putt on the 18th that would have tied the lead, Hewson narrowly missed before tapping in for birdie, joining Fanali at eight-under.
That left Heath needing a composed finish to seal the biggest victory of her career.
On the final hole, Heath split the fairway with her drive before finding a difficult position to the right of the green with her second shot. Unfazed, she pitched to nine feet and confidently rolled in a birdie putt to cap a remarkable week, finishing with two birdies and two bogeys across the back nine.
The victory earns Heath her first LET title, a €150,000 winner’s cheque and an unforgettable breakthrough moment in just her rookie season.
“It’s incredible,” said Heath. “This year, I’ve gone out in the leading group twice before, so I guess it’s third time lucky.
“It was incredible having Alex [Long] on the bag. He kept me so calm and just reminded me that I’d played good golf all week. When the pressure is on, negative thoughts can creep in, so I’m very, very happy to get it done.”
Heath admitted the mental challenge was as demanding as any shot she faced.
“You probably didn’t want to be in my head on that golf course today,” she said. “I was thinking I was going to shank it, hook it, pull it… you never know. Alex kept the ship steady all day.
“A lot of caddies are good at their job, but it’s important to have someone whose personality matches yours. I’m very emotional, so having someone calm and cool alongside me helps. We’re on the same wavelength and that makes a big difference.”
The Englishwoman deliberately stayed away from the leaderboard throughout most of the final round.
“I had no idea where I stood and I think Alex knew I didn’t want to know,” she said. “I saw after nine holes that it was getting tight, but that was the only time I looked at a scoreboard.
“My iron play is usually the best part of my game, but it was probably the weakest part today. My chipping really got me out of trouble.”
Hewson and Fanali shared second on eight-under-par after impressive final rounds.
Hewson reflected on another strong performance at a venue she has long enjoyed.
“It’s been a really solid week,” she said. “I played some nice golf out there and probably didn’t hole as many putts as I would have liked. La Sella is always one of my favourite stops on Tour and having my whole family here made it even more special.”
For Fanali, the result represented another encouraging step in her return to form. The Italian carded a final-round 68 to record her best finish of the season.
“I’m really happy,” said Fanali. “I wasn’t thinking about the result this week. I was just trying to enjoy my golf again and play well.
“I wasn’t expecting to be in contention, so I’m very satisfied. Everything this week was really good, especially the putting. This season has been difficult in terms of results, but my game has actually been progressing. The results are starting to come back and I’m happy with the direction I’m heading.”
Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall finished fourth on her own, while Slovenia’s Pia Babnik and Briem shared fifth place.
Babnik closed with a brilliant 67, matching Liz Young for the lowest round of the day.
“I really enjoyed being here this week,” said Babnik. “La Sella is an amazing venue. My game felt really good, especially today. The putts didn’t drop in the first two rounds, but they did today, so I’m pleased. There are still a few tournaments left this season and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Three players tied for seventh place at five-under-par: Czechia’s Tereza Kazar Melecka, Ireland’s Lauren Walsh and Tan.
For Kazar Melecka, the week carried special significance after marrying just days before the tournament.
“This was a combined honeymoon and tournament,” she said. “I’m really happy I chose this event for it. The whole week was amazing and I’m very happy to be here with my new husband.
“We tried to enjoy every moment and we did. I was hoping we would get four rounds, but three was still good and I’m happy with my finish.”
Despite the weather challenges earlier in the week, players praised the outstanding condition of the course following several days of heavy rain, with many paying tribute to the tournament greenkeeping team for their efforts in delivering a championship-calibre playing surface.
Next up for the stars of the LET is a trip to Italy for the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open at Golf Club Milano, which will be played from September 25-27.
