South Australian Caitlin Peirce has booked her place at the Women’s NSW Open in March courtesy of a maiden professional win at the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying tournament at Narrabri Golfie.

In just her third event since turning professional, Peirce backed up an opening round of 2-under 69 with 3-under 68 on Friday to finish at 5-under, three strokes clear of Rhianna Lewis who is also locked in for the Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned event at Wollongong Golf Club.

Leading amateur at the 2023 Women’s Australian Open, Peirce is a two-time Karrie Webb Scholarship recipient and finished tied for 14th at the 2024 edition at Kingston Heath last Sunday.

The 22-year-old’s first professional win is not only an individual milestone but opens a pathway to playing on the LET in her rookie year.

“I’m pretty happy. It’s definitely what I’ve been working towards, so it’s nice to get the win,” said Peirce.

“It’s nice that it’s happened so soon.

“I didn’t have a lot of expectations coming in – just hoped to finish near the top. I guess being No.1 is always the goal.”

Peirce’s scorecard in Round 2 included six birdies, highlighted by a crucial chip-in on the 15th hole that solidified her lead.

“I probably holed a lot of putts where it could’ve gone either way, and that chip-in late definitely helped,” she reflected.

Paired with Kelsey Bennett, Jordan O’Brien and Siyi Keh for the final round, she enjoyed the camaraderie on the course.

“It was definitely a lot of fun, pumping each other up. It was a little quiet, so we tried to get each other going – it was good fun,” she shared.

Looking ahead, she has her sights set on strong performances at the upcoming qualifying events in Dubbo and Bathurst, as well as the Ford Women’s NSW Open at Wollongong Golf Club from March 20–23.

“Dubbo, Bathurst – those are next on my list. Hopefully, I can score good results there as well,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to it and, hopefully, another win.”

Bennett rounded out the top three, finishing even par for the two days after a top-10 result at the Women’s Australian Open.

The next stop on the qualifying series is Dubbo Golf Club, where the Pro-Am kicks off on Sunday.

 - Kassidy Rogan, Golf NSW