2023 has been a year to remember for Denmark’s Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen, who after three wins on the LET Access Series (LETAS) has secured her spot on the Ladies European Tour for 2024.
No word other than perfect can describe Kibsgaard Nielsen’s rookie season on LETAS where she started the season with two runner ups before a maiden win at the Montauban Ladies Open.
It was clear that one victory would not suffice the 24-year-old, who left college in the US early to pursue her professional golf career.
Kibsgaard Nielsen’s second victory didn’t come as easy but she came from behind on a staggering final day at the Capio Ogon Trophy to win a three way play off after just one hole.
Then last week at the Lombardia Ladies Open, the Dane dominated the final day to secure a third win and with the last putt all her dreams came true.
Whilst anyone witnessing Kibsgaard Nielsen on the 18th green at Golf Club Varese would think she looked calm and collected, the rookie assures that she was anything but.
“I feel calmer now, it was overwhelming when I was on the putting green, but I just tried to enjoy the moment.
“I took my time over that putt, because I’ve been in that position before and that feeling of winning is something that I have to appreciate and enjoy as it won’t happen often now.”
There are two more events left on the LETAS but with 2,338.58 points on the Order of Merit, Kibsgaard Nielsen knows no-one can take the LET card out of her hands.
“It feels amazing to have my card secure, my goal for the year was to get the card and I’m so proud of myself.
“I’ve worked incredibly hard, and I knew at the end of the season that I needed to step up and not let go because I was almost safe.
“I’m very excited about progressing to the LET, I look forward to next year and it will be fun and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Kibsgaard Nielsen has travelled without home support for a large proportion of the year but fellow Danish rookies, Puk Lyng Thomsen and Cecilie Finne Ipsen have always been there to celebrate the special wins with her.
“I’ve been on the road for two weeks now and being alone in Italy it was nice to go home and see my parents and boyfriend.”
Back in Denmark, Kibsgaard Nielsen commemorated the victory in a humble way celebrating with a McFlurry.
However, Kibsgaard Nielsen’s goals on LETAS have not all been completed.
The 24-year-old has one mission left; to finish the season as the Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year leader.
“I will be in Spain. I played Calatayud last year as an invite and I finished in the play off but didn’t bring home the win.
“I’m very excited to go back to that course and see how different my game is going to be this year.
“Looking back one year, a lot has happened, I look forward to the Spanish weather as well as it’s rubbish weather in Denmark now!”
To find out more about Kibsgaard Nielsen’s golfing journey listen to her episode of the LETAS Golf Podcast.
The Calatayud Ladies Open starts on the 18th of November at Gambito Golf Calatayud.
Follow all the action on @letaccess on Instagram, X and TikTok and LET Access Series on Facebook – #RaiseOurGame.
