Sweden’s 20-year-old amateur Meja Örtengren produced a remarkable performance to win her maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) title at the Hills Open. Playing in front of home fans at Hills Golf & Sports Club, the Stanford University student held her nerve to secure victory by two shots.
Starting the final round tied for the lead with Germany’s Leonie Harm, Örtengren surged ahead with five birdies. At one stage she led by four, but mistakes in the gusty conditions cut the margin to just one shot heading up the 18th. With the pressure on, she sealed the win in style – holing a confident birdie putt to claim the biggest victory of her career so far.
“I don’t even know where to start – I’m lost for words. I’m just so happy to get the win, and honestly relieved that the round is finally over,” Örtengren said afterwards.
She admitted nerves began to creep in late on: “Around 13 the wind picked up and I made some mistakes. On 17 I found the bunker, which was tough. But I managed to give myself good positions even when I missed, and rolled in some important birdie putts. Now I think it’s time to celebrate with some ice cream with my family.”
Her brother Alexander was on the bag, with her parents also walking the course. “It means so much to have them here. Winning with them by my side makes it extra special. My family and coach have been through ups and downs with me the last few years, and I’m really grateful for their support,” she added.
Two shots back, Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson and Germany’s Leonie Harm shared second place on -4. Pettersson kept the pressure on all day and signed off with a birdie at the last. “Of course it’s tough not to win when you’re that close, but Meja played really well today and the conditions were tricky. I’m happy with the way I finished, and it’s always special to compete at home in front of Swedish crowds,” she said.
Harm, who had started the day as co-leader, endured an up-and-down round but steadied herself on the back nine to claim joint runner-up – a strong showing for the 27-year-old, who admitted she nearly quit the game last year.
England’s Thalia Martin recorded the best result of her career with a flawless bogey-free final round that lifted her into fourth place. “I honestly couldn’t believe it when I saw I was inside the top five. Having my mum on the bag was so special – she helps me stay calm and focused,” Martin reflected.
Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad tied for fifth with France’s Nastasia Nadaud at -2, while several other big names rounded out the top 10.
For Örtengren, who previously won on the LET Access Series at the PGA Championship in Trelleborg in 2022, this victory marks another milestone. She now returns to Stanford in September for her second year – carrying with her the memory of a breakthrough win that will be remembered for years to come.
Photo:Tristan Jones
