Esme Hamilton joined the European Tour in 2024

Hamilton Claims First European Tour Title in South Africa

England’s Esme Hamilton secured the first European Tour title of her career after holding off compatriot Cara Gainer to win the South African Women’s Open.

The 26-year-old kept her composure in a tense final round to finish at 15-under-par, two shots clear of Gainer in Cape Town.

Hamilton Holds Firm After Nervy Start

Hamilton began the final day tied for the lead with Slovenia’s Pia Babnik but faced early pressure after a difficult front nine.

She dropped shots with a bogey on the third hole and a double bogey on the ninth, threatening to derail her title hopes.

However, Hamilton responded strongly on the back nine, carding a two-under-par 71 to seal victory.

Dream First Victory

The triumph marked Hamilton’s first European Tour title on her 22nd attempt.

Before this week, she had recorded only two top-10 finishes on tour.

After clinching the biggest win of her career, Hamilton admitted nerves had kicked in late in the round.

“I’m buzzing, really happy. I’m a bit lost for words.”

She added:

“It’s something that I’ve dreamt about for a while. I’m going to make sure that I enjoy this because it’s a big one.”

“The win will hopefully build my confidence and unlock a lot for me.”

Gainer Pushes Hamilton Close

Cara Gainer started the final round in third place and one shot behind the leaders.

The 30-year-old carded a one-under-par 72 but ultimately finished two strokes short of Hamilton.

Slovenia’s Pia Babnik ended the tournament in third place on 12-under.

Final Leaderboard

-15: Esme Hamilton (England)
-13: Cara Gainer (England)
-12: Pia Babnik (Slovenia)
-9: Alison Morgan (USA), Bianca Navarrosa (USA), Emma Spitz (Austria)

Wiesberger Wins in China

Elsewhere, Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger ended a five-year wait for a DP World Tour title by winning the China Open in Shanghai.

The 40-year-old finished on 19-under-par, three shots ahead of Adrian Otaegui.