Hero Women’s Indian Open to decide season’s Order of Merit battle

As the flagship Ladies European Tour (LET) event in India, the Hero Women’s Indian Open (HWIO) once again becomes the defining battleground for the season’s top honours. The US$500,000 event at the DLF Golf and Country Club from October 9–12 will not only showcase global talent but could also decide the LET Order of Merit title.

England’s Mimi Rhodes, winner of three events this season — the Ford Women’s NSW Open, Joburg Ladies Open and Dutch Ladies Open — leads the rankings and can secure the top spot with a strong finish in Gurugram. However, she faces stiff competition from Singapore’s Shannon Tan and Czech star Sara Kouskova, both within striking distance of overtaking her.

Tan, the Amundi German Masters champion, trails by just 209 points, while Kouskova is 500 behind. With only four events left on the schedule, including the HWIO, every shot matters. A top-three finish for Tan or a win for Kouskova could see the leaderboard change dramatically — especially if Rhodes finishes outside the top 35.

Among the Indians, Diksha Dagar (21st), Avani Prashanth (50th) and Pranavi Urs (58th) are well placed to retain their full LET cards, while Hitaashee Bakshi (108th) and Vani Kapoor (110th) will look to capitalise on home advantage to break into the top 70.

With limited-field events remaining after India, the Hero Women’s Indian Open is poised to be a make-or-break week for players chasing both the Order of Merit title and coveted spots in the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying later this year.

Photo – Tristan Jones/LET