England’s Mimi Rhodes is having an impressive rookie season by claiming back-to-back victories on the Ladies European Tour after her second victory at the Joburg Ladies Open.
The 23-year-old, who earned her maiden LET victory just two weeks ago at Australia’s Ford Women’s NSW Open, started the final round on Sunday with a three-shot lead at Modderfontein Golf Club. Tough weather conditions made it a challenging Sunday but Rhodes posted a final-round 71 which featured three birdies to finish the week on 14 under and collect another LET title.
“It’s honestly not sunk in yet, I’m still in shock,” she said afterwards. “I’m really on a high and lost for words. I’ve been working so hard for this moment. I can’t thank anyone enough, family and friends back home, all my coaches around the world – I’ve got a lot of them! Also my caddie for being with me on the golf course and helping me through to get to this moment.”
She had come close to bogeying the final 18th hole which would have likely meant a play-off was on the horizon, but Rhodes held her nerve and chipped in for par to seal the victory.
“I’d been chipping pretty well all day and the shot just felt very comfortable,” the Englishwoman said, speaking on her final hole. “I was kind of back and forth on two different shots I was going to play. I’m glad I chose the one I did.”
Home favourite Casandra Alexandra kept Rhodes on her toes throughout the final round and finished only a shot back in second on 13 under.
“There were a lot of fans out there cheering for Cas [Alexander],” Rhodes added. “It was tough to mentally focus with them cheering a lot of her shots, but she played really well. I’m sorry to Joburg!”
Germany’s Helen Briem finished in third on 11 under after a bogey-free final round while Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall came in fourth. There was a three-way tie for fifth between last year’s winner Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini, Ireland’s Lauren Walsh, and South Africa’s Kiera Floyd.
What is the next event?
The next event on the Ladies European Tour is the Investec SA Women’s Open taking place between 10-13 April at the Erinvale Country and Golf Estate.