TEXAS — England's Mimi Rhodes is set to make her major championship debut at the Women's PGA Championship after a stunning debut season on the Ladies European Tour (LET), where she has already secured three victories.
The 22-year-old from Bristol has taken the LET by storm in her rookie year, with wins at the Australian Ladies Classic, the Aramco Team Series – Tampa, and the Helsingborg Open. Her rapid rise has earned her a spot in the field at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington, where she will compete against the world's best.
Rhodes, who turned professional in 2023 after a standout amateur career, expressed her excitement ahead of the tournament: "It’s a dream come true to play in my first major. I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to see it all paying off is just incredible."
A Breakthrough Season on the LET
Rhodes' success this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Her first win came at the Australian Ladies Classic in February, where she held off a strong field to claim victory by two strokes. That momentum carried into the Aramco Team Series – Tampa, where she led her team to victory while also securing the individual title.
Her third win at the Helsingborg Open in Sweden solidified her status as one of the LET's brightest young stars. With each victory, Rhodes has demonstrated a maturity beyond her years, showcasing a well-rounded game that includes:
- Exceptional ball-striking accuracy
- Clutch putting under pressure
- A composed mental approach in high-stakes situations
Preparing for the Major Stage
The Women's PGA Championship will be Rhodes' toughest test yet, facing a field that includes world No. 1 Nelly Korda, defending champion Ruoning Yin, and multiple major winners like Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson.
Rhodes has been working closely with her coach, former European Tour player David Howell, to fine-tune her game ahead of the tournament. "We’ve been focusing on course management and adapting to the conditions at Sahalee," she said. "It’s a tree-lined course with tight fairways, so precision will be key."
A Family Affair
Golf runs in Rhodes' blood—her father, Gary, is a respected teaching professional, and her younger sister, Annabell, is also making waves in the amateur ranks. Mimi credits her family for keeping her grounded amid her rapid success.
"My dad has been my coach since I was a kid, and my sister keeps me humble," she joked. "No matter how well I play, she’ll still tell me where I went wrong!"
Looking Ahead
Beyond the Women's PGA Championship, Rhodes has her sights set on securing her LPGA Tour card for 2025. With her current form, she is well-positioned to earn promotion through the LET Order of Merit or via Q-School later this year.
LET CEO Alexandra Armas praised Rhodes' impact on the tour: "Mimi has brought so much energy to the LET this season. Her success is inspiring the next generation of young golfers."
As Rhodes prepares for her major debut, she remains focused on the process rather than the pressure. "I’m just going to enjoy the experience and play my game," she said. "If I stick to what’s worked so far, I know I can compete."
The Women's PGA Championship begins on June 20, and all eyes will be on Rhodes as she takes the next step in her promising career.
