Louise Rydqvist was given a huge boost for the remainder of the 2026 season at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open as she finished T4 to secure her best result on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
The Swedish rookie carded four rounds in the 60s on the Palmer South Course at The K Club to end the week on 15-under par as Casandra Alexander claimed victory.
Rydqvist’s finish capped off a fine month for the 25-year-old who also placed T11 at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and T22 at the PIF London Championship.
“I’m almost speechless, honestly,” Rydqvist said. “I had a really bad start over the first few holes [in the final round] but bounced back really well. Me and my caddie were talking about being a back-nine player and I showed up on the back-nine there [with four birdies] after a lot of patience. Even with the [rain] delay and everything, I came back strong and finished well on 17 and 18.”
Rydqvist played alongside compatriot Corinne Viden and home favourite Leona Maguire in the penultimate group on Sunday. Maguire’s final event before the Solheim Cup, it was a group which the masses of Irish fans flocked to watch in Kildare.
“I just love Ireland,” the Swede said on the experience. “I was thriving out there. I loved the big crowds and they’re all so kind. They respect the game of golf so much and they cheer for all of us. Simply the best fans.”
The finish was a big one for Rydqvist who jumps to 54th on the LET Order of Merit. Prior to the PIF London Championship, the Swede had made four cuts this year and sat well outside the top-125 in the season-standings.
A top collegiate player at the University of South Carolina (USC), Rydqvist turned professional in 2025 and started the year with Category 16 status following Lalla Aicha Q-School in December. She has now made a huge bid to secure full playing rights for 2027 (the top-70 come the end of the year will secure Category 4 status).
“I’m going to get emotional but this means the world,” the 25-year-old said. “This is what I want to do. I want to play golf for a living and I want to be out here competing. I want to play good golf at the highest level and eventually make it to the LPGA. Feeling strong mentally and feeling like I have everything ahead of me feels like a huge win this week.
“I’m just so happy and overwhelmed with everything. I can’t wait to go home, see my family and relax for a few days. I’ll now recharge for La Sella but it’s great to know I can now play free golf going into the rest of the season.”
With the LET now on a two week break as Team Europe head to Bernardus Golf for the 2026 Solheim Cup, Rydqvist will next tee up at the La Sella Open in Spain which gets underway on September 17.
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