LETAS Stars Gather for Rose Ladies Open at Hertfordshire’s Brocket Hall

A host of LETAS stars will gather at The Melbourne Club at Brocket Hall from September 7 to 9 to contest the Rose Ladies Open 2023, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the LET Access Series (LETAS) schedule.

A truly international field of 108 players will come from far and wide to tee it up at the Hertfordshire venue which is hosting the event for the second time following the inaugural tournament last year which was created by Justin and Kate Rose furthering their support for the women’s game.

Competition between the future stars of the ladies professional game will be strong as the tournament boasts the largest prize fund – a total of Euros 70,000 (circa £60,000) - on the Access Series this year.

On Wednesday, 6th September, a Celebrity ProAm will take place over the championship Melbourne Course, followed by the three-day, 54-hole strokeplay professional competition.

The par 72 Melbourne Course is one of England’s most picturesque championship courses with its stunning views over the property’s glorious stately home and lake which is straddled by the magnificent Paine Bridge and its acres of rolling 18^th century parkland.

There is no doubt that the demanding layout will provide the players with a testy challenge thanks to a host of water hazards (it crosses the River Lea on no less than four occasions!), hanging fairway lies and sloping greens that will force the players to think about each and every shot.

Last year’s champion, Sweden’s My Leander, will be looking to defend her title alongside a number of former winners of the Rose Ladies Series events, including Hannah McCook (Scotland), Gemma Clews (England), Georgina Blackman (England) and Jae Bowers (England).

However, with strength and depth in the field there could just as easily be a new name on the trophy with lots of contenders making it a tough defence for Leander.

Those to look out for include Denmark’s Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen, who in her first year on LETAS, has dominated tournaments this year and leads both the LETAS Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year lists by around 800 points. This year alone Kibsgaard Nielsen has had two professional wins at the Montauban Ladies Open and the Capio Ogon Trophy alongside placing second three times. Now, the 24-year-old is hungry for another win at the Rose Ladies Open, the most coveted prize of the season.

Meanwhile England’s Blackman will also be aiming to make an impact on home turf. The 27-year-old, who is attached to The Melbourne Club at Brocket Hall, will be looking to use her keen knowledge of the course to her advantage. After two top-10 finishes this season, Blackman’s game is trending and she’s ready to secure her first win on LETAS. Fellow Brocket Hall member, Sophia Fullbrook from Hertfordshire, who is on top form at the moment will also be in the field. 

Compatriot Clews will be among those searching for a second win this year at Brocket Hall. She has shown great form this season with three top-10 finishes including a long-awaited LETAS win at the Smorum Ladies Open which she achieved in dramatic style with a play-off victory. The Mancunian will be seeking to clinch another win to secure her place in the top 6 in the Order of Merit and win a coveted LET card for the 2024 season.

Another European, Austria’s Katharina Muehlbauer, returns to the Rose Ladies Open this year as a LETAS champion having won the LETAS Link Series at Ramside Hall in July. After a ninth place finish last year, Muehlbauer is looking to go eight better this year.

Speaking about her excitement for the tournament this year, the Austrian said: “I’m really looking forward to the event as it was one of the best events I played in last year. It was great having Justin and Kate watching us, a moment I will always remember, and they are doing so many good things for women’s golf so I can’t wait to tee it up in Brocket Hall again.”

Another rookie, England’s Emily Price, is another player who has shown promising form all season. After four top five finishes this season, Price is knocking on the doors of the winner’s circle and sees the Rose Ladies Open as a great opportunity.

Speaking about playing in the upcoming event, Price said: “I’m really excited to play in the Rose Ladies Open on home turf. I’ve played a few Rose events in the past and they are really fun to be involved with. It’s a big event in our schedule and one many of us are excited about.”

The Rose Ladies Open will showcase some of the best professional and amateur women golfers and offers a great chance for friends and family to have a great day out – tickets are FREE as long as you register - and leave inspired by these fantastic talents.

Along with the chance to have a go at golf on The Golf Foundation stand, spectators can enjoy a glorious day out on the golf course watching the future stars of ladies golf whilst also feasting on a delicious dining experience at the award-winning Auberge du Lac. In addition to top level hospitality at the Auberge du Lac, Brocket Hall is offering hospitality packages from £66 per person in the Clubhouse as well as various other snack food options on the course. 

The venue is easily accessible – and just 22 miles from the centre of London – and will provide FREE on-site parking.

The Rose Ladies Open will take place from 6-9 September 2023 at Brocket Hall Golf Club, with FREE tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rose-ladies-open-tickets-633974032397