Playoff bomb earns Bennett victory in France
A 35-foot birdie putt at the first playoff hole has earned Mollymook’s Kelsey Bennett her first victory on the LET Access Series in France.
The first-round leader after posting 5-under 67, Bennett found herself on the wrong side of the draw as rain forced the Hauts de France Pas de Calais Golf Open to be reduced to a 36-hole tournament.
Originally planning on skipping the event, Bennett gritted her teeth and persevered as the rain fell, her second round of 1-over 73 enough to finish level with Switzerland’s Anais Maggetti and Englishwoman Billie-Jo Smith.
She would need just one additional hole to clinch victory, draining a putt from long range to claim her first international victory as a professional.
“This win means a lot,” said Bennett, who moved to ninth on the LET Access Series Order of Merit, the top six to graduate to the Ladies European Tour in 2025.
“I missed the cut at the Rose Ladies Open last week and I was wanting the week off but I spoke to my team and they pushed me to come and play this week because a win can give you so many points on the leaderboard.
“So now I’ve done it, it feels really good.”
Winner of The Athena in February, Bennett has little time to celebrate, turning her attention now to the Lavaux Ladies Open starting in Switzerland on Wednesday.
“I haven’t played La Sella before but I’ve heard great things about it,” said Bennett.
“I’m really looking forward to it. This week is great for the confidence.”
Now within reach of an LET card for next year, Bennett also recently advanced to First Stage of LPGA Qualifying Series which will take place in Florida October 15-18.