Heath lands Smyth Salver

Charlotte Heath became the first English winner of the Smyth Salver since 2017 as she finished as the low amateur at the AIG Women’s Open.

Florida State University student Heath, who came into the week sitting ninth in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, was one of two amateurs to make the cut at Walton Heath, along with her Arnold Palmer Cup team-mate Julia Lopez Ramirez, the European Amateur Champion.

The pair were level on one-over after 36 holes before Heath edged ahead by two strokes in round three, shooting 74 to Lopez Ramirez’s 76.

Heath then extended her advantage on the final day, with a final-round 76 enough to secure the Smyth Salver as Ramirez – hampered by a nine on the 14th – finished with a seven-over 79.

"It is definitely not what I expected at the start of the week but I am very happy with it," she said.

"For me and Julia to make the cut was something really special. I was trying to look at scoreboards but it wasn't showing anything.

"But on 18, Alice [Hewson]'s caddie was like 'you don't have to worry.' So that was really good of him.

“I heard my name being shouted, which is not something I'm used to, but it's a really nice feeling. It was really nice playing in England as well, having the home crowd. I felt a lot of support out there.”

Heath succeeds Rose Zhang, who is now making waves on the LPGA Tour as a professional, as the winner of the Smyth Salver, a prize that has been won by a host of players who have gone on to enjoy considerable success.

The likes of Michelle Wie West, Anna Nordqvist, Danielle Kang, Georgia Hall, Leona Maguire and Atthaya Thitikul have all claimed the prize in recent years.

"There are some incredible names on the Smyth Salver," she said.

"I have learned so much this week. The pros just play so smart and kind of take risk out of play, and I think sometimes as an amateur you don't really think about that because if you come fourth or 10th it really doesn't matter that much, whereas if you're playing for money, there's a big difference in that.

"I think that's something to definitely follow going forwards. I'm going to Q-School, Stage 1, in two weeks' time, and then after that, just back to the regular college season. I fly out to America tomorrow, so it's a quick turnaround."