Casandra Alexander wins Buccellati Ladies Italian Open

Casandra Alexander wins Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, Women's Golf Magazine, Ladies In Golf

The South African claims her second LET title in just one month after winning at Golf Club Milano with a 12-under-par total Casandra Alexander has won the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, securing her third Ladies European Tour (LET) title and her second victory in just one month. The South African produced an impressive final-round performance

The South African claims her second LET title in just one month after winning at Golf Club Milano with a 12-under-par total

Casandra Alexander has won the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, securing her third Ladies European Tour (LET) title and her second victory in just one month. The South African produced an impressive final-round performance at Golf Club Milano to finish on 12-under-par, three shots clear of Germany’s Sophie Hausmann and American rookie Anna Morgan.

The 27-year-old Johannesburg native carded a final-round 69 (-3) to complete an outstanding week and confirm her excellent form during the closing stages of the season.

The victory comes just four weeks after Alexander lifted the KPMG Women’s Irish Open trophy at The K Club. A year earlier, she claimed her maiden Ladies European Tour title at the 2025 Tipsport Czech Ladies Open.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to wait as long for this one as I did for the previous one,” Alexander said after securing the title.

“My game’s in the right place to win golf tournaments, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and having more opportunities. As golfers, as soon as you get one, you’re after the next one. I’m really happy to walk away with the win and it’s great to be here in Italy.”

Alexander holds her nerve in thrilling final round

The South African began the final round sharing the lead with Sweden’s Moa Folke and Germany’s Alexandra Försterling, but her route to victory was far from straightforward.

Alexander opened with a birdie, but a double bogey on the second hole quickly put her under pressure. Another bogey at the fifth left her four shots off the pace.

Rather than lose patience, the South African responded at a crucial moment. She produced a spectacular eagle on the par-five ninth to move back into contention, sharing the lead with Folke and Hausmann heading into the back nine.

The leaderboard remained tight until the closing holes. Anna Morgan made a late charge and briefly drew level with Alexander after making a birdie on the 15th.

Alexander responded emphatically, making birdies on the 15th, 16th and 18th to pull clear of her rivals and seal victory at the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open.

“I think once 13 was done I felt like I could cruise a little. There were two par fives coming in and once I’d hit the tee shot on 17 and got the second shot onto the green, I felt good. Seventeen is a tough hole coming in. I stayed patient enough to get the job done.”

A spectacular birdie on 18 seals the title

Alexander produced the perfect finish on the final hole. The South African launched a 280-yard drive down the 18th fairway before playing her approach to around six feet.

She converted the birdie putt in front of an enthusiastic Italian crowd to secure the title.

The victory was made even more special by the presence of her husband, Adi, who was waiting greenside to celebrate with her.

“It’s really special to win with my husband here. He hasn’t been here when I’ve won before, so third time’s the charm.”

Alexander praises Golf Club Milano and Italy

The South African also praised the setting for the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, played at the historic Golf Club Milano alongside the famous Monza racing circuit.

“I’ve absolutely loved being here. I love Milan, I love Italy and it’s my favourite food. You can hear the race cars out here, the course has been great and the spectators have been fantastic.”

The tournament provided the Ladies European Tour with one of the most distinctive venues on its calendar, bringing together professional women’s golf and the motorsport heritage of Monza.

Alexander strengthens her position at the top of the LET Order of Merit

The victory in Italy also allows Casandra Alexander to strengthen her position at the top of the 2026 Ladies European Tour Order of Merit.

The South African extends her advantage over Anna Huang in the standings, although she knows there are still major tournaments to come before the end of the season.

“I think this gives me a little bit of a head start on the Order of Merit, but I know Anna is coming back and we’ve got some big events ahead. It’s not over until it’s over, but I’m going to keep fighting all the way.”

Following her victory in Italy, Alexander will head to Lake Como for a short break before returning to competition at the Aramco Korea Championship.

Sophie Hausmann and Anna Morgan share second place

Germany’s Sophie Hausmann produced one of the best rounds of the day, carding an outstanding 64 (-8) to finish runner-up alongside Anna Morgan.

“The goal today was to play the front nine better, and I did. I found something that worked, stayed patient and it feels really good,” said Hausmann.

Meanwhile, Anna Morgan, who is playing her first season as a Ladies European Tour rookie, carded a 69 (-3) to share second place and once again demonstrated her impressive form during her debut season.

“It was a bit of a grind. I haven’t really been in this position before during my rookie year, so I was nervous early on. I’m proud of myself for hanging in there, turning it around and giving myself a chance coming down the stretch.”

The two overnight co-leaders, Moa Folke and Alexandra Försterling, finished tied for fifth.

Home favourites Alessandra Fanali and Anna Zanusso shared ninth place alongside Eleanor Givens.

With her victory at the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, Casandra Alexander confirms her outstanding run of form and heads into the final stretch of the season at the top of the LET Order of Merit, aiming to maintain her position through the remainder of the 2026 season.

Casandra Alexander wins Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, Women's Golf Magazine, Ladies In Golf
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