Darcey Harry Claims Porthcawl Women’s Open Spot After Sensational Rookie Win

Welsh golfer Darcey Harry clinched her maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) title at the Homecourt Women’s Open, finishing three shots clear in Belgium in an outstanding display, as Hamish Stuart reports.

Victory means she earns a place in the AIG Women’s Open being held in Wales for the first time at Royal Porthcawl, Harry’s home course and the biggest female sporting event to be ever held in Wales.

“I was thinking that walking down the 18th and I was pretty nervous about not getting into that, so I think that’s another huge win for me this week,” she admitted.

Competing in just her ninth LET event of the season, the 22-year-old rookie – who celebrated her birthday on Saturday – showcased remarkable composure on the final day.

Heading into Sunday just one shot off the lead, Harry stayed steady under pressure, carding 68 (-4) to finish the week 13-under-par at Hulencourt.

Despite dropping a shot on the second hole, Harry headed into the back nine with a three-shot advantage. 

The rookie had a big turning point on hole 13 where she had an impressive long eagle putt followed by a further birdie on 14.

“I don’t even know what to say right now”, said the rookie. “I’m so excited. I didn’t think I’d ever picture myself winning on the LET, so it’s so nice to know I’ve finally done it.

“I think the last putt was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life.

“I started off with a bogey, but there’s lots of birdie chances out there as the course condition is so good. If you’re hitting good shots, you get rewarded, and I hit a few good putts today.

“I think I came out today to try and get a good score, so I wanted to prove to myself I could continue with another good show on the course. I wasn’t really thinking about the leaderboard which I think really helped me today.”

READ MORE: Darcey Harry wins in Belgium

Wales Golf Chief Executive Hannah McAllister congratulated Harry for the first Welsh win on the LET since Amy Boulden in 2020 – and looked forward to seeing her in action in Porthcawl.

“This is a great result in what could be the most important year we have had for women and girls golf in Wales,” said McAllister.

“It means we are guaranteed at least one Welsh player competing with the best in the world at Royal Porthcawl, an inspiring role model for all young girls round Wales taking up golf.

“Golf clubs round Wales are spending around £3 million this year on improving facilities for women and girls golf, building on a £1 million Legacy Fund from the Welsh Government on the back of hosting the AIG Women’s Open.

“It is only last year that Darcey was coming to the end of almost a decade in the Wales Golf system from the Girls squad through to the top amateur events, then turning professional and qualifying for the Ladies European Tour.

“She is a member at Royal Porthcawl, so that will make it even sweeter she will be a part of the biggest female sporting event ever held in Wales.”

READ MORE: Darcey Harry In A Hurry As Women’s Open Looms

Harry had her boyfriend, Jacob Skov Olesen on the bag this week, a DP World Tour player, which showed the new partnership is clearly working.

“He was very good, so he’s not going to be allowed to go back to playing now. He’s actually carrying for me next week, so I’m looking forward to that,” she said.

Harry was sharing an Airbnb in Brussels this week with fellow rookie Amelia Garvey, and said the secret was having bolognaise at the same Italian restaurant every night.

Harry finished second to Daniela Darquea at Q-School, and was in contention in just her second LET start. At the Australian Women’s Classic, she was joint leader after the first round, tied second after the penultimate round, and ultimately tied for sixth.

READ MORE: BTS: Darcey joins the winner’s circle

The 22-year-old follows in the footsteps of England’s Mimi Rhodes, the only other rookie to win on tour this season – having already claimed three titles.

In the LET Order of Merit, Harry now jumps 25 places to sit in eighth place on 757.40 points.

Rhodes continues to lead the standings with 1,610.38, followed by Czech’s Sara Kouskova on 1,417.47, and Gainer now on 1,259.68.

After eleven tournaments played, the most recent LET winner now jumps to second in the Rookie of the Year standings behind Rhodes.

The LET heads to the Czech Republic next week for the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open, taking place at Royal Beroun Golf Club, 20-22 June.

The AIG Women’s Open will be played at Royal Porthcawl from 30 July – 3 August 2025.

READ MORE: Darcey delivers in Belgium