After a gritty battle at Lalla Aicha Q-School, one which included an illness-stricken fortnight of golf, Caitlyn Macnab is now “super excited” to compete on the Ladies European Tour (LET) in 2026.
The South African fought hard in Morocco finishing second at the Pre-Qualifier – PalmGolf Ourika before making a clutch putt on her last hole at the Final-Qualifier to earn a full card.
“I played good percentage golf,” Macnab said. “Course management really did me well. My coach and caddie Matt, really helped a lot. We didn’t miss too many shots badly at all and when we did, we managed to just make bogey at worst. We played the par-5s really well which also helped a lot.
“I thought I was ok but then going onto 18, I realised I was on the cut number. I hit it on the green to about 30-foot. I flew it eight-foot by but then made the return to make it on the number. I’m just thankful that the putt went in!”
It was a result made all the more impressive given Macnab was sick for most of the week in Marrakech.
“It feels like a big accomplishment,” the 23-year-old said. “I was feeling under the weather all week. I was in the hospital until 1am [on the first day]. I’m just glad I was able to play, honestly. It was a mental grind. We got some tests done but luckily nothing too serious. Being in hospital, having an IV done, same as my caddie, I feel like I’ve overcome a lot to be here.”
Having earned Category 12 status for the 2026 season, Macnab becomes the latest South African star on Tour following in the footsteps of the likes of Lee-Anne Pace, Casandra Alexander and Nicole Garcia.
The 23-year-old is already a winner already on her domestic Sunshine Ladies Tour and arrives on the LET with plenty of amateur pedigree. Macnab competed four times at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) and played collegiate golf for Ole Miss University, the same college as LET Order of Merit winner Chiara Tamburlini, where she became the program’s first player to win the SEC Individual Championship.
“I just graduated from college in America,” the South African explained. “I graduated from Ole Miss. I’m from Johannesburg, a small town call Benoni. I still practice out of there and it’s a really small town. I’m an easy going person and I love the game. I’m really looking forward to a good career.
“My coach [Grant Veenstra] and his wife Nicole [Garcia] have been very supportive. She’s been on Tour forever so gave me a good couple words of advice.”
Having accepted LET membership, Macnab can now look ahead to an exciting 2026 schedule, one which features 30 events in 21 different countries, including her native South Africa, as well as stops in Australia and Mauritius.
“I’m super excited and am looking forward to a good year,” she said. “I’m looking forward to playing competitive golf. It’s in my blood and it’s what I love to do. I’m excited to compete.”
Announcing the news on her Instagram, Macnab also wrote: “What an experience Morocco was! Many describe the gruelling psychological marathon that they face when fighting for their card, and my experience was no different. Through all my trials and tribulations, I am so proud to say that I have earned my LET card for 2026!
“I wouldn’t be in this position without the incredible support from everyone in my corner. A special thank you goes out to my family, my coach and my sponsor. I can’t wait for what 2026 has to offer!”
