The Aramco Houston Championship is a signature event on the LET and part of the PIF Global Series. Played in Houston, Texas, this tournament featured two different competitions: team and individual.
In the first two days, 26 teams of four competed against each other in stroke play. This allowed the players to make a cut on the third day and go for an individual title and purse.
Team Kouskova shot 32-under as a team to win by one. The team consisted of the captain, Sara Kouskova, and Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen, April Anguarasaranee and Ana Belac. They started the day at 14-under in fourth place and made a big comeback. Anguarasaranee’s 24-foot birdie putt on 18 sealed the win and allowed the team to avoid a playoff with both Team Rhodes and Team Boutier.
“It’s been another absolutely amazing two days with super players and I have enjoyed it so much,” said Kouskova. “I’m incredibly proud of my team.”
Ana Belac commented on team play, saying, “It was really fun! We don’t get to play a lot of team events out there. Every time you get to do something special like that and with players like these is fun and I would love to do it more.”
After the team portion concluded, the field was cut to the top 60 players for day 3. Spain’s Carlota Ciganda was in the lead heading into the final day, but it was ultimately her fellow countrywoman Nuria Iturrioz who earned the win after firing a 68 (-4). Iturrioz ended up defeating both Ciganda and Charley Hull, who had just returned from an injury, by two strokes.
This is Iturrioz’s first win since 2023, though it is her fifth on the LET.
“I’m really happy! I can’t explain my feelings. I’m really glad I have this trophy. Thank you very much for everything,” said Iturrioz. “With my caddie, we have been working a lot throughout the year, and we have been up there a couple of times, but this win is for him also.
“I was really looking forward to winning one of these PIF Global Series events. I have won as part of the Team before. It’s really special to do it here in the U.S. knowing I have been trying to get to the LPGA and knowing I can play these courses well is good,” added Iturrioz.
Iturrioz is now ranked 13th in the LET Order of Merit and earned $225,000. Mimi Rhodes continues to lead the season-long rankings.
The LET will return to Europe next week for the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open, where England’s Alice Hewson will look to defend her title. Last year’s LET Order of Merit winner and hometown favorite Chiara Tamburlini will also draw a crowd.
