Kelsey Revels in Magenta Shores Rainstorm

Magenta, New South Wales, Australia: Kelsey Bennett has claimed the most significant win of her young career, with the New South Wales local triumphing at the Australian Women’s Classic on International Women’s Day.

On a day of wild weather that included an incredible rainstorm as the leaders made the turn that sent everyone at Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club ducking for cover, Bennett produced a classy display to record one of just three Sunday rounds under par for a 13-under total and the co-sanctioned WPGA Tour of Australasia and Ladies European Tour (LET) win by four.

“I was stoked when I woke up and the conditions were really tough because I knew it wasn’t going to be anyone’s. And if I hung in there, it was mine for the taking,” said Bennett, whose joint runner-up finish at the 2021 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) in Abu Dhabi remains the best performance by an Australian in the region’s showpiece women’s amateur championship.

“I was a little shaky over that last putt, not going to lie. The last thing you want is a little three-footer. At least it was uphill,” said Bennett, whose victory has secured her a two-year exemption on the LET, a spot at the AIG Women’s Open and all but sure of a place in another Major, The Amundi Evian Championship, in 2026.

Bennett said: “I always thought it was possible (to win on the LET). I’ve been striking the ball well and playing really well. I’ve had lots of putts drop lately and the game’s been feeling really good.

“It just means I can go into the Open and get to book flights for my Nan now. That’s the biggest thing. Honestly, I kept saying to my team, I want to get in the Open and the easiest way to do that is just to have a win. So now this really solidifies it for the year.” 

Bennett celebrated on site with her Nan, Patsy, as well as her mum Lara, while Sarah Kemp, a fellow John Serhan pupil and something of an idol, showered the champion with champagne.

“I remember first meeting her, I was nervous. So to be able to call her a mate now, it’s pretty special,” added Bennett, who is now setting her sights on this week’s Australian Women’s Open in Adelaide, where she’ll be up against compatriots Minjee Lee, Grace Kim and Hannah Green, among others.

“I couldn’t be happier, to be honest. The goal is to go back-to-back and win the Australian Open. Let’s see how we go,” she said.

*Article and image courtesy Golf Australia.