By Paul Munnings, Golf Australia
Kelsey Bennett has two big goals firmly in her sights this year – a maiden win on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and earning LPGA status for 2027.
She starts her 2026 season on Thursday, teeing it up as one of the favourites in the Vic Open at 13th Beach Golf Links on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The 25-year-old says it simply feels good to be back in Australia for a run of tournaments, including four events co-sanctioned by the WPGA Tour of Australasia and LET, highlighted by the women’s Australian Open and Australian WPGA Championship.
“It’s so nice to actually just be in Aus,” said Bennett. “It’s sometimes a bit trickier playing so close to home, but I’m most definitely looking forward to it and having my team out there and all that sort of stuff. It’ll be nice to be able to play with some family and friends around, too.”
Reflecting on her 2025 season, Bennett is quietly pleased with how things unfolded in her rookie season on the LET.
Still learning the demands of life on tour, she finished as the highest-placed Australian placing 20th on the Order of Merit.
Her ambitions for 2026 are clear. A win on the LET would be a significant breakthrough, while LPGA status remains the longer-term prize.
With no direct pathway to the No.1 tour in women’s golf from the LET, Bennett plans to attend Q School, knowing a top-10 LET Order of Merit finish would earn her a place in the final stage.
“Obviously anything’s possible, so I’m just going to keep sticking to my processes, take it week by week, day by day and not get too ahead of myself,” she said.
“Just try and give myself the best opportunity to achieve those goals. My coach (John Serhan) and I are trying to become that little bit more professional every year and really dial in the swing a bit more. There’s definitely a couple of things in there to work on.”
Bennett has plenty of experience at the Vic Open, having played the event for the past four years. Last year, she found herself in the leading group on the final day before brutal winds reshaped the leaderboard, an 81 leading to a share of fourth place.
“I’d definitely rather the wind than the rain, so hopefully it’s only wind. But I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a good test of golf out there when it’s windy, so keen as.”
Bennett is grouped in the first round with former world No.1 and reigning Australian Open champion Jiyai Shin and star Victorian amateur Jazy Roberts.
