Mexico’s Fernanda Lira dominated final day with a round of 69 (-3) to secure her first European victory at the inaugural Islantilla Open.
The 30-year-old got off to a tremendous start with two consecutive birdies in her first two holes before another dropped on the sixth.
A bogey on the ninth was her only mistake of the day as she carded eight pars and one birdie on her back nine to clinch victory, her first since 2021.
Speaking about what it means to win, Lira said: “I’m very proud as last year I struggled a lot mentally. So, seeing the contrast and how the hard work has paid off is amazing.
“I played with my close friend Laura today and her husband and my husband was also on the bag. It’s a nice golf course with good weather and I played with friends so I just really enjoyed it out here.”
It’s been a week to remember for Lira who also won the AIG Women’s Pre-Qualifying on Monday 14 at Delamere Forest by four strokes.
“I really want to stay in the moment and enjoy all of this. Having Ryan on the bag, he has underestimated how much he helped me. He stabilizes me when things don’t go my way.”
With this win, Lira now moves to eighth on the LETAS Order of Merit. The top 7 at the end of the season earn LET cards.
“With this win I will focus on LETAS, and it shifts the focus for my season. I want to get back my full LET status.”
This win marks the second Mexican win on Tour this year. Alejandra Llaneza made history back in May at the Santander Golf Tour-Avila.
“It’s so special, Ale won first on Epson, then I won the following year. It seems to be that we are taking turns. We are each other’s good luck charms.
“I’m going back to England with Ryan and then want to prepare for the Women’s Open Final Qualifying. I want to soak in everything that has happened.”
The top three players who finished in the Top 10 at the Islantilla Open and were not otherwise exempt qualified for the LET’s La Sella Open.
Lira is excited to go back to one of her favourite events from last year.
Speaking about what it means to get the invite, Lira said: “I loved it last year so I’m very excited. The setup was like here and they looked after us players so well.”
England’s Jessica Hall finished solo runner-up on two-under-par and therefore also wins a coveted invite to the LET’s “player’s tournament of the year”.
“I’m so excited. I didn’t realise there were invitations available so it’s a surprise. It’s unbelievable. I’ve never got an LET start before and it’s something I’ve always wanted.”
Czechia’s Patricie Mackova and Scotland’s Laura Beveridge finished tied third on one-under-par.
Four players tied for fifth on +1. These included French amateur and 2025 AMUNDI Czech Ladies Challenge winner Alice Kong, Allegria Ladies Open winner Gemma Clews, France’s Chloe Salort and Singapore’s Aloysa Atienza.
LETAS now has a week off before we head to Denmark for the inaugural Q-Tour Himmerland Championship Presented by Sand Spedition held at DP World Tour venue, the Himmerland Resort.
To follow all the action from the tournament visit letaccess.com and follow @LETAccess on Facebook, Instagram and X – #Access2LET.
