English players in the hunt to claim a second consecutive LETAS victory on home soil at this week's Rose Ladies Open
England’s Gabriella Cowley is happy to be playing closer to home and teeing it up for the first time at the Rose Ladies Open.
Taking advantage of the break in the LET schedule, Cowley jumped at the chance of playing in this year’s edition of the tournament.
“As soon as I knew we had the week off. I really wanted to play and come and support the tournament. I wanted to support Kate and Justin and all they do for women’s golf.
“It’s great to be back on LETAS. It doesn’t seem that different. I know a lot of the girls playing.”
Cowley, who is from Essex, is embracing some home comforts this week and enjoying being able to stay in her own bed.
“Mentally I’m treating this week like any other week. It will be the same as any week. I’m playing to win. I will stick to what I’ve been doing.”
Cowley has had two top five finishes this year and currently sits 19th in the LET Order of Merit.
A five-times winner on the Rose Ladies Series, Cowley is yet to win on tour and is hoping this is the week.
“To be honest I would have loved a win by now. I’ve been close a couple of times. I’ve been playing well and hopefully in the next couple of events I can get that win.
“It’s about doing the right things, and the rest will just take of itself.”
Prize fund increased
The prize fund for the Rose Ladies Open, has been increased to €85,000, an increase of €15,000 on the previous year.
This year the champion will take home €13,600, the highest amount in LET Access Series (LETAS) history.
Kate & Justin Rose said: “The key point is this is the highest purse on the LETAS schedule.
“It’s always been important for Kate and I to promote women’s golf and increase the narrative on what is happening in the women’s game.
“We are so appreciative of our partners for helping us make this happen.
“Seeing the growth of the tournament in staging and stature is incredible. It’s important for us that the LETAS players get the first-class experience they deserve and enjoy being treated as they should be.
“Good luck to all the women playing in the event and we are looking forward to watching all the players out on the course later this week.”
Dennis not putting pressure on herself
England’s Megan Dennis is determined to have another fantastic week after securing her first professional win last week.
Despite still riding the high, Dennis is excited to have fun and enjoy her first time playing at the Rose Ladies Open.
“I’m excited. I think last week relaxed me a little bit which was nice. I think the course looks great. Like last week I’m also going to enjoy having the home support.
Dennis, who now sits fifth in the LETAS Order of Merit (OOM) after last week’s win, is hoping to keep up the momentum.
“I did get to celebrate properly. We didn’t go crazy because obviously I’m still competing this week.
“It was nice to relax and unwind a little. I took Monday off and it was a chill day. Now I feel more ready than ever.”
“It’s my first time going into the next week with a win, and it is hard when you know what you must do. I think you do add pressure to yourself without even realising it.
“I think in the grand scheme of things it will relax me more. I’m just going out there to enjoy it.”
Dennis, who has competed at the Rose Ladies Series achieved four out of four top 10 finishes this season and is excited to take those results into this main event.
“It’s my first time competing at the Rose Ladies Open. I think the whole setup is great. There is such a good energy around the place.
“It’s great to see so many familiar faces that I know and combine the Rose team with LETAS. I know a couple of the amateurs that have got invites this week.
“It’s great to catch up with people after a busy season.”
Dennis is vying to finish in the top seven on the OOM to earn her LET card for the 2025 season.
“This week I want to keep things the same, I’ve got Luke on the bag like last week. That wasn’t the plan, but it worked very well.
“It will be about getting a good game plan and trying to stick to it.”
Dennis will tee it up at 12:55am alongside the LET’s Gabriella Cowley and Ireland’s Sara Byrne who is making her professional debut after being part of the winning GB&I Curtis Cup Team last week.
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