Defending champion Chiara Tamburlini is back in Johannesburg this week for the Joburg Ladies Open, hoping to replicate what was a breakthrough moment of her 2024 season.
The Swiss won her maiden LET title at this tournament last year, securing a seven-shot victory ahead of Thailand’s Aunchisa Utama. It was a stellar final round for the 25-year-old, carding seven birdies across both the front and back nine.
Modderfontein Golf Course, which is hosting the tournament for the fourth year in a row, is home to what is considered a challenging course known for its numerous water hazards, which feature on more than half the holes on the card.
Despite this, Tamburlini has already proved she can score low on this course and the three-time LET winner will be approaching this week like any other tournament. “I’m approaching this week similar to any other week. I’m trying to prep like I do every week, knowing that I’ve played some really good golf on this golf course previously, but it’s a new year, a new week”, said Tamburlini.
Reflecting on her 2024 win, she said: “Being back here has a lot of special memories. I played the course again yesterday, and plays a little different this year I think because of the rain, but just really good memories and excited to be back.
(Please credit Tristan Jones/LET)
“I was in a pretty good situation ahead of the final round and it all started to fall really well into place. The course has some quirky holes, and you have to be quite precise off the tee.”
This week, the stacked 132 player field is comprised of 38 LET Winners with a combined total of 66 LET wins. England’s Cara Gainer, who leads the Order of Merit following four tournaments of the LET 2025 season, is also teeing it up so Tamburlini knows she will have to bring her best this week.
The 2024 LET Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year winner is excited to play in South Africa once again.
She added: “It’s a tough field out there, so you’ll definitely need your A game to win.
“It’s such an amazing place and I’m really enjoying my time out here again. I’ve already had some great food so will be eating well for sure!”
The Swiss will be playing round one at 6:57am local time on Thursday, alongside Cara Gainer and Germany’s Helen Briem.
Follow all the action throughout the 2025 season on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook | #JoburgLadiesOpen | #WeGotGame #InspiringGreatness.
