Charlotte Heath (R&A Photo)
Charlotte Heath, a junior at Florida State University, ranked 19th in the Amateur Golf Rankings, claimed the Smyth Salver Award for the low amateur at the AIG Women's Open, after finishing 7-over and T61.
Heath was exempted into the field courtesy of her being the top-ranked British or Irish amateur.
Over the last four days, the 21-year-old shot 73-72-74-76.
The Smyth Salver Award has been presented to the top finishing amateur at the AIG (formerly The British Women's Open) since 2003. Past winners include Michelle Wie (2005), Anna Nordquist (2008, Heath's playing partner in the third round of the 2023 AIG), Leona McGuire (2016) and Rose Zhang (2022).
A Curtis Cup player in 2021 & 2022, Heath has registered a runners-up finish at Valspar Augusta Invitational in March 2023 and followed it with a tied-5th finish at ACC Women’s Championship and a tied-7th at the NCAA Women’s Championship.
However, without a doubt, her performance at the AIG Women’s Open stands out as the pinnacle of her golfing career, at least until her next major opportunity to shine on the course.
When asked to reflect on her week for AmateurGolf.com, Heath expressed, “The week was truly incredible, having the chance to play alongside players I admired since childhood. The sheer size of the crowds and the overwhelming support I garnered from everyone took me by surprise."
Heath, who is second all-time in stroke average in Florida State history with a 71.06, discussed her forthcoming aspirations, revealing she will be maintaining her amateur status for another year.
"My next step involves competing in Q school stage I within the upcoming two weeks," Heath said. "However, I do not plan on turning pro until summer of 2024."
The LPGA Q-School Stage I event is slated for August 28-31, set to take place at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Country Club in Indian Wells, both located in California.
Following Stage I of Q-School, Heath, along with her fellow Florida State teammates, are scheduled to play in their three-match fall season at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate at the Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.
Outside of Heath, only one other amateur successfully made the cut. Joining her was Julia Lopez Ramirez of Spain, while eight others, unfortunately, fell short, including Ingrid Lindblad of Sweden, who is currently the number one ranked women's amateur golfer, according to the
Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com rankings
Lopez-Ramirez, having gained exemption due to her recent victory at the European Ladies Championship in France, posted rounds of 73-72-76-79 to finish 12-over and 72nd-place overall in England.
ABOUT THE AIG Women's British Open
The Women's British Open is one of the five major
championships of women's professional golf. It is
recognized by both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies
European Tour as a major. Amateurs must have a
handicap of scratch or better. Pre-qualifying
required.
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