England’s Hannah Screen clinched her first professional victory after winning a play off against one-time LETAS winner Germany’s Verena Gimmy.
It was a brutal final day at Gambito Golf Calatayud as 46 players battled the elements to score as low as possible in the high winds.
The 24-year-old from London, England after rounds of 69, 69 and 73 found herself in a play-off with Gimmy and they both headed back down the par-3 nine and made par on the first playoff hole.
Gimmy’s second tee shot found the bunker whilst Screen’s landed on the fringe. After Gimmy’s bunker shot flew over the pin, Screen rolled a steady putt down to the hole and putted a second time for par.
“I’m still so shocked, I’m so happy. Obviously, the conditions were so tough today. There was so much wind. I’m just glad I kept it steady.
“I’m so happy I managed to get the job done. I’m over the moon, it’s my first professional win.”
In her rookie year on tour, Screen has displayed great talent and has been in the leading pack a couple of times and her previous best finish to date was second at the LETAS Link Series at Ramside Hall in July.
“I’ve come close a couple of times this year. I’ve been in two final groups, but I haven’t quite got it done. The play off was the tensest environment I’ve been in.
“It was crazy out there. I was battling every shot. It throws you off and you must keep resetting. So, I’m proud of myself and my mental game today.”
With this win, Screen is one step closer to realising her dreams of playing on the LET for 2024 and was keen to thank all her supporters at home.
“My dad’s called me 30 times already and it’s been about two minutes. My mum, my whole family, my coach everyone is watching so big thanks to everyone who has helped me.
“To celebrate, well a drink. Am I allowed to say that? I think we’re going to go to Barcelona this weekend with friends I’m staying with so that will be fun.”
France’s Emie Peronnin finished third on four-under-par whilst South Africa’s Lejan Lewthwaite and Cecilie Finne-Ipsen finished tied fourth on one-under.
Four players finished tied sixth on par; Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini, Australia’s Kelsey Bennett, Sweden’s Corinne Viden and Spain’s Maria Herraez Galvez who finished as the highest Spaniard.
In the 2023 LETAS Order of Merit rankings, Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen still leads the way with 2,338.58 points with Chiara Tamburlini jumping to second (1,589.35) and Emily Price in third (1,559.15).
Elena Moosmann is in fourth place having accumulated 1,454.62 points with close behind in fifth Gemma Clews and she now has 1,338.75.
After clinching victory this week, Hannah Screen moves into sixth on 1,233.32 points.
The top six at the end of next tournament win LET cards for 2024 and the top 21 progress automatically to the final stage of Q School.
Next week, LETAS travels 77km away for the final event of the year, Santander Golf Tour- Zaragoza.
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