France’s Agathe Laisne produced a thrilling performance in fading light to claim the Joburg Ladies Open after a dramatic five-hole playoff at Randpark Golf Club on Sunday, 19 April 2026. The victory, secured with a decisive birdie, earned Laisne her second Ladies European Tour title and capped off one of the most memorable finals in the tournament’s history.
The final round delivered high drama from start to finish. South Africa’s Casandra Alexander surged into contention from four shots back, carding two eagles on the front nine and four birdies in five holes on the back nine for a superb 66 to finish at 19-under-par. She had a chance to win outright, but a late bogey after a lightning delay forced a playoff with Laisne and Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley.
Alexander was eliminated at the first playoff hole, leaving Laisne and Rudgeley to battle in near darkness. Both players traded birdies and pars as officials even recut the hole in an attempt to secure a result. Ultimately, the contest was shortened to a par-three, where Laisne delivered the winning birdie to seal a dramatic triumph.
Congratulating the champion, Executive Deputy Mayor Cllr Loyiso Masuku praised Laisne’s performance and highlighted the significance of the victory for the City of Johannesburg.
“On behalf of the City of Johannesburg, we congratulate Agathe Laisne on her remarkable victory. Her resilience and composure under pressure were truly inspiring. As the winner of the Joburg Ladies Open, she now becomes an ambassador of Johannesburg, carrying this prestigious title wherever she competes around the world,” said Cllr Masuku.
She added that hosting the tournament reinforces the city’s commitment to empowering women in sport while showcasing Johannesburg to a global audience. “Events such as the Joburg Ladies Open demonstrate our commitment to growing and empowering women’s sport. They also provide an opportunity to showcase Johannesburg’s world-class infrastructure and sporting facilities to millions of viewers worldwide, positioning our city as a leading global destination for major sporting events,” Cllr Masuku said.
Laisne’s dramatic victory not only etched her name into the tournament’s history books but also highlighted Johannesburg’s continued role in promoting elite women’s golf and celebrating excellence on the international stage.
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