There was a worthy winner of today’s Ford Women’s New South Wales Open and all praise should rest with Agathe Laisne.
The Frenchwoman’s final three rounds were nothing short of exemplary, featuring no fewer than 16 birdies against just one bogey.
And those lucky enough to have witnessed her breathtaking approach to the par-5 13th hole – and resultant kick-in eagle – will never forget her winning surge.
But in terms of future headlines, you couldn’t help but think there was another winner at Wollongong Golf Club.
This is not to denigrate the standout performances of young Aussie contenders Hannah Reeves or Kelsey Bennett, nor even the gutsy ride of veteran Sarah Kemp, all of whom finished in the top eight.
2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open – Final Leaderboard
But objectively, if you watched the play of amateur phenom Soomin Oh, your mouth would be agape at the potential of the 17-year-old Korean.
Again highlighting Laisne’s stellar play, it appeared for much of the back nine that Oh would add a second large-scale professional title to her name.
Oh made seven birdies in 10 holes from the fourth – and arguably could and should have picked up a couple more shots.
History will say that a pulled drive down the 16th and an over-exuberant wedge approach to the last hole cost her victory, even though she was still the low amateur.
But those who saw her raw power, her rapid pace of play and sheer exuberance will be well aware that there’ll surely be more wins to savour in the future.
She is the full package – a tall, angular woman already with long levers and incredible clubhead speed and the promise of even more to come.
Twice the Queen Sirikit champ, twice runner-up in the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific and soon to be twice a participant in the Augusta National Women’s Championship – this is a special talent.
She knew she let slip a golden chance to add to her Singapore Open victory of 2024 when her 58-degree wedge sailed long on approach to the final green.
But in the big picture of her golfing life, the disappointment will fade quickly.
“That is normally (a) good number (for me from 72m), but I (must have been) excited,” Oh said in English for which she needlessly apologised given it was almost as impressive as her golf.
“But I’m happy. This week was a good experience to me and I learnt a lot from this tournament, so very happy.
“Playing in Australia is a very good experience. I want to play the LPGA (Tour) in the future, want to play in many countries… so hopefully I come back.”
Her invitation was incredibly astute from Golf NSW – and one that nearly paid huge dividends.
Because you get the strong sense that the name Soomin Oh will feature on many more cups around the world – and with no disrespect to the fabulous French champion – it would have looked a grand addition to the Jan Stephenson Trophy in years to come.
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