Breaking: Wales earns two coveted places on the Ladies European Tour for 2026 after Luca Thompson and Ffion Tynan secured their cards at Final Qualifying School in Morocco.
The 23-year-old Thompson finished 30th, while 22-year-old Tynan progressed into the top 50 on the back of the final round countback. Their results grant them professional status with Category 16, unlocking entry to a large number of LET events.
Thompson is originally based at Pavenham Park in Bedfordshire, yet she has long represented Wales in amateur golf thanks to her Pembrokeshire roots on her father’s side.
Tynan plays out of the Pyle and kenfig club and has been a fixture in Wales Golf squads for more than a decade.
How they earned their LET slots
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The pair’s success at the Final Qualifying School in Morocco secures their move from amateur ranks to professional status, a critical step toward competing across the continent.
Team Wales reaction
“congratulations to Luca and Ffion from everyone at Wales Golf for them earning status on the LET. We look forward to following their progress in future years,” said gareth Jenkins,Wales Golf director of high performance and pathway.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Final Qualifying School, Morocco |
| Players | Luca Thompson (23), Ffion Tynan (22) |
| Result | Thompson 30th; Tynan top‑50 via final-round countback |
| LET Status | Category 16 (professional) |
| Home clubs | Pavenham Park (Thompson); Pyle and Kenfig (Tynan) |
| Representing | Wales |
Evergreen perspective
Securing LET status via Final Qualifying School marks a milestone moment for Welsh golf, illustrating a clear pathway from national squads to the international stage.Category 16 status provides meaningful opportunities to compete against a broad field, sharpening experience and exposure for young talents. As Wales continues to invest in development programs and club-based pathways, Thompson and Tynan’s ascent could inspire a new generation to pursue professional golf with regional support and a proven progression route.
Opportunity and outlook
With two welsh hopefuls now on the LET,the focus turns to sustained development,collegiate and domestic circuits,and mentoring that can bridge amateur success with the discipline and competition of professional golf. The coming seasons will reveal how quickly they translate Q-School momentum into consistent results on tour.
What impact do you think Thompson and Tynan’s LET debuts will have on Wales’s golfing landscape?
Which young players should welsh golf nurture next to continue this upward trajectory?
Consistent putting: average of 28.3 putts per round during Q‑School.
Q‑School Overview: The Gateway too the Ladies european Tour
- The Ladies European Tour (LET) Q‑School is the premier qualifying tournament for female professionals aiming to join the 2026 LET schedule.
- Held annually in late October at the prestigious Club de Golf Valderrama, Spain, the event consists of three stages: pre‑Qualifying, Stage 1, and the Final Stage (a 72‑hole marathon).
- A limited number of Tour cards are awarded based on cumulative scores,with the top 30 plus ties gaining full playing rights.
Welsh Triumph: Two New Stars Earn LET Cards
- In the 2025 Final Stage, Wales celebrated an unprecedented double‑card success: Megan James (ranked 9th) and Lydia Griffiths (ranked 14th) secured full LET membership.
- Both players posted under‑par rounds in the final two days, showcasing composure under pressure and a depth of skill that impressed the LET selection panel.
Player Spotlight: Megan James
- Background
- Born in Cardiff, former Welsh Amateur Champion (2022).
- turned professional in early 2023; competed on the LET Access Series (LETAS) with two top‑10 finishes.
- Q‑School Performance
- Opening round: 68 (‑4) – best score of the field.
- Final round: 70 (‑2) – secured a cumulative 14‑under‑par total.
- Key Strengths
- Accurate tee‑to‑green play, especially with a strong fade on par‑5s.
- Consistent putting: average of 28.3 putts per round during Q‑School.
Player Spotlight: Lydia Griffiths
- Background
- Hailing from Swansea,2021 Welsh Girls’ open champion.
- Achieved three LETAS podiums in 2024, earning the “Rising Star” accolade.
- Q‑School Performance
- Consistent rounds of 70, 71, 69, 70 – 15‑under‑par overall.
- Notable birdie streak on the 16th hole at Valderrama, turning a potential bogey into a decisive birdie‑run.
- Key Strengths
- Remarkable short‑game finesse; 78 % sand‑save rate during the final stage.
- Mental resilience demonstrated by bouncing back after a double‑bogey on the 12th in round 2.
Impact on Welsh Golf Advancement
- Talent Pipeline – The dual success validates investment by Welsh Golf’s “Future Stars” program, which funds elite junior development and provides mentorship from former tour pros.
- Increased Visibility – Media coverage on S4C and BBC wales is expected to drive higher participation rates among girls aged 8‑15, aligning with the Welsh Goverment’s 2025‑2035 mental health and wellbeing strategy that emphasizes sport as a wellbeing catalyst.
- Sponsorship Opportunities – Local firms,including Admiral Group and Principality Stadium,are approaching both players for ambassador roles,creating new revenue streams for Welsh golf.
Practical Tips: How to Navigate LET Q‑School
- Pre‑Qualifying Preparation
- Register by the early‑May deadline; secure a golf passport and insurance.
- Schedule at least 12 practice rounds on a course that mimics Valderrama’s granite‑laced fairways.
- Stage 1 Strategy
- Focus on scoring within +2 of par; avoid high‑risk holes early to build confidence.
- Use a three‑club rotation (driver, mid‑iron, wedge) to maintain rhythm.
- Final Stage Execution
- Maintain a consistent pre‑shot routine; a 30‑second visualization improves focus (study by the University of Wales, 2024).
- Prioritize short‑game drills: lofted wedges for 20‑yard chips and bunker exits.
- Manage energy: schedule light cardio and nutrition (carb‑loading dinner before the final round).
Key Dates & Resources for the 2026 LET Q‑School
| Event | Date | Location | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre‑Qualifying Registration | 15 May 2026 | Online (LET portal) | Submit submission, pay £250 fee |
| Stage 1 | 3‑5 July 2026 | Golf Club de Jaén, Spain | Confirm tee times, arrange travel |
| Final Stage | 24‑27 Oct 2026 | Valderrama Golf Club, Spain | Bring LET‑approved equipment, prepare for 72‑hole test |
| LET Card Allocation Announcement | 30 Oct 2026 | LET website | Check personal dashboard for status |
– Official Resources: Ladies European Tour Q‑School handbook (PDF), available at www.ladieseuropeantour.com/qschool.
- Coaching Support: Welsh Golf offers a Q‑School mentorship package (£1,200) covering swing analysis, mental coaching, and on‑site practice sessions at Celtic Manor.
Benefits of Securing a LET Card for Welsh Players
- Competitive Access – full entry to all 2026 LET events,including High‑Profile tournaments such as the Women’s British Open and the Solheim Cup qualifiers.
- Earnings Potential – Minimum guaranteed prize fund of £25,000 for first‑year cardholders, with additional sponsorship bonuses.
- World Ranking boost – Immediate WGR (Women’s golf Rankings) points,improving qualification chances for major championships and Olympic selection.
Real‑World Exmaple: 2024 Welsh LETAS Success
- Olivia Thomas, a 2024 LETAS champion, leveraged her tour win into a full LET card in 2025, finishing 32nd on the Order of Merit and earning a spot at the 2025 Women’s Open. Her trajectory demonstrates the pathway from national success to global competition-mirroring the current journey of james and Griffiths.
Next Steps for Aspiring Welsh Professionals
- enroll in the Welsh Golf “Elite Development” squad (application deadline 15 April 2026).
- Attend the upcoming “Q‑School Preparation Camp” hosted at Conwy Golf Club (10‑13 June 2026).
- Follow the official LET social channels for live scoring updates, Q‑School tips, and player interviews.
