South Africa’s Casandra Alexander secured her third Ladies European Tour title and second in the space of a month after producing a superb final-round display to win the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open at Golf Club Milano.
The 27-year-old from Johannesburg carded a closing 69 (-3) to finish on 12-under-par, three shots clear of Germany’s Sophie Hausmann and American rookie Anna Morgan.
The victory continues a remarkable run of form for Alexander, who lifted the KPMG Women’s Irish Open trophy at The K Club just four weeks ago, a year after earning her maiden LET title at the 2025 Tipsport Czech Ladies Open.
“I’m glad I didn’t have to wait for this one as long as I waited for the previous one,” said Alexander.
“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, so I’m really happy to walk away with the win and it’s great to be here in Italy.”
The South African began the final round tied for the lead alongside Sweden’s Moa Folke and Germany’s Alexandra Försterling, but her path to victory was far from straightforward.
After opening with a birdie, Alexander suffered an early setback with a double bogey at the second and dropped four shots off the pace following another bogey at the fifth. However, she remained patient and ignited her challenge with a crucial eagle on the par-five ninth, moving into a share of the lead alongside Folke and Hausmann heading into the back nine.
As the leaderboard tightened, Morgan made a late charge and briefly drew level with Alexander after a birdie on the 15th. But the South African responded in emphatic fashion, birdieing the 15th, 16th and 18th holes to pull away from the field and seal victory.
“I think once 13 was done I felt like I could cruise a little,” Alexander explained.
“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.”
Alexander provided a fitting finish, launching a 280-yard drive down the 18th fairway before pitching to six feet and converting the birdie putt in front of enthusiastic Italian crowds.
The win was made even more special by the presence of her husband, Adi, who was waiting greenside to celebrate.
“It’s really special to win with my husband here,” she said. “He hasn’t been here when I’ve won before, so third time’s the charm.”
Alexander also paid tribute to the championship and its unique setting at Golf Club Milano, nestled within the famous Monza 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 victory strengthens Alexander’s position at the top of the LET Order of Merit, where she now extends her advantage over Anna Huang heading into the final stretch 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.”
For Hausmann, a closing 64 (-8) earned a share of second place and was the lowest round of the day.
“The goal today was to play the front nine better, and I did,” said the German. “I found something that worked, stayed patient and it feels really good.”
Morgan, competing in her rookie LET season, continued her impressive year with a final-round 69 and a share of second.
“It was a bit of a grind,” said the American. “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.”
Overnight co-leaders Folke and Försterling finished in a four-way tie for fifth place, while home favourites Alessandra Fanali and Anna Zanusso shared ninth alongside Eleanor Givens.
Alexander will now head to Lake Como for a short break before returning to action at the Aramco Korea Championship, as she looks to continue her outstanding form and strengthen her bid for the 2026 LET Order of Merit crown.
Article Link: Alexander wins again, this time in Italy