As the flagship Ladies European Tour (LET) event in India, the Hero Women’s Indian Open (HWIO) stands as a premier platform where global talent meets Indian excellence — a stage that not only celebrates women’s golf but also often proves decisive in shaping the season’s destiny.
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This year, the spotlight falls on England’s rising star Mimi Rhodes, who arrives in India with three victories under her belt and a chance to clinch the coveted LET Order of Merit title. A strong finish at the DLF Golf and Country Club could cement her position at the top of the season-long leaderboard and cap a breakthrough year.
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Rhodes, who triumphed at the Ford Women’s NSW Open, the Joburg Ladies Open, and the Dutch Ladies Open, currently leads the Order of Merit. But her lead remains under threat from Shannon Tan of Singapore and Sara Kouskova of the Czech Republic, both in close pursuit.
While this marks Rhodes’ first appearance in India, Tan and Kouskova are familiar with the course and conditions — an advantage that could prove crucial in this high-stakes contest.
Tan, the Amundi German Masters champion, trails by just 209.54 points, while Kouskova sits under 500 points behind. With four events remaining — each offering 500 points for a win — the title race remains wide open.
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A top-three finish for Tan this week could see her leapfrog Rhodes, especially if the Englishwoman finishes outside the top 35. Kouskova could also overtake Rhodes with a victory in Delhi, should Rhodes miss the cut.
Two other contenders for the Order of Merit, Cassandra Alexander and Helen Briem are absent next week.
The top-three players on the LET Order of Merit will each receive a money bonus of €75,000, €50,000 and €25,000. The OoM winner also takes the prestigious Order of Merit trophy.
With the season entering its closing stages, the Top-10 on the Order of Merit will also get to go to go for the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying in of December.
Members finishing in positions 2-70 plus ties on the Order of Merit will earn Category 4 status for the 2026 season. This means there is an intense battle emerging with four events remaining.
Among the Indian contingent, Diksha Dagar (21st), Avani Prashanth (50th) and Pranavi Urs (58th) are currently inside the top 70 and well-placed to retain full cards. Hitaashee Bakshi (108th) and Vani Kapoor (110th) will look to capitalize on home advantage and make a late surge up the rankings.
With the next three events – Wistron Ladies Open, Aramco China Championship and the final event of the season, the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España – being limited field events, this week’s Hero Women’s Indian Open is poised to be a make-or-break moment for many players looking to make a bid for the Order of Merit or a place in the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying and also for those hoping to secure full cards for 2026.
