Phoenix 24
Spain discovers a new champion on the European circuit.
VIEUX-GENAPPE, BELGIUM — July 2026. Carolina Chacarra secured the first professional title of her career by winning the Hulencourt Women’s Open, confirming her rapid emergence as one of Spanish golf’s most promising young figures. The 23-year-old finished the tournament at 12 under par, three strokes ahead of Australia’s Kelsey Bennett. The victory came in only her third appearance on the Ladies European Tour and made her the circuit’s first rookie winner of the 2026 season. It also delivered Spain’s first LET triumph of the year.
Chacarra began the final round two shots behind Bennett but transformed the leaderboard with three birdies over the opening five holes. She completed a bogey-free round of 68, recording four birdies and maintaining control throughout the decisive stretch. Bennett briefly reduced the difference with a birdie at the 16th, but the Spaniard responded at the par-three 17th before securing the title with a composed par on the final hole. Indian golfer Aditi Ashok finished third at seven under par.
The Madrid-born player had already demonstrated her potential earlier in the tournament by shooting a second-round 65 that equaled the course record. A third-round 73 threatened to interrupt her momentum, but her precise final performance restored the advantage and completed rounds of 70, 65, 73 and 68. The triumph represents the 40th Spanish victory in the history of the Ladies European Tour. Her result also secured a place in the AIG Women’s Open.
Chacarra entered professional golf after an accomplished university and amateur career in the United States. She helped Wake Forest win the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship and later competed in the U.S. Women’s Open while still an amateur. She earned playing rights for both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour ahead of the 2026 season. Her victory in Belgium now transforms that potential into a significant professional achievement.
The success extends an exceptional period for the Chacarra family after her older brother Eugenio achieved important victories on the DP World Tour. Carolina has described her brother’s accomplishments as a source of motivation while building her own identity within women’s golf. Her Belgian triumph strengthens a new generation of Spanish players seeking greater visibility on the international circuit. What began as a promising rookie season has now become one of the most important breakthroughs for Spanish women’s golf in 2026.
Carolina Chacarra’s first trophy may mark the beginning of a new Spanish era.