Flying the English Flag: Gemma Clews and Charlotte Heath Lead the English Charge at the Rose Ladies Open
As the 2025 Rose Ladies Open approaches, two English players stand out from the field. Gemma Clews, who leads the LET Access Series Order of Merit, and Charlotte Heath, currently topping the Rookie of the Year standings, arrive at Hanbury Manor with momentum and motivation. For both, it’s a rare chance to play in front of a home crowd, and a pivotal moment in their seasons.
After a difficult 2024, few players have bounced back like Gemma Clews. Seven top-10s and a win this year have put her firmly in the mix to regain her full LET card — a goal that’s shaped her entire season.
“Last year was really tough for me on the golf course,” Gemma admits. “But I worked hard over the off-season with my coach Pete Barber, and started working with Becky Brewerton on performance-based stuff. Mentally, I’m in a much better place, and I can’t overlook how much that’s helped.”
Her results speak for themselves, but she’s also been enjoying the journey more, helped by the presence of her caddie, Mike. “We get on great and have a lot of laughs. That’s made a big difference too.”
With the Rose Ladies Open as the only English stop on the LETAS calendar, the event carries extra meaning.
“It’s really special to play a tournament on home turf in front of a home crowd,” says Gemma. “The Rose Ladies Open is always a great event, family and friends always come to watch me play, which makes it that little bit more special.”
Even with LET status in sight, Gemma’s focus remains clear. “The goal is definitely to get my card back, but I’ve been taking it week by week. If I play my own golf and focus on what I can control, the rest will take care of itself.”
While Clews brings experience, Charlotte Heath is in the early stages of what looks to be a long and successful career. A former Curtis Cup and Arnold Palmer Cup player, NCAA All-American, and Australian Amateur champion, her amateur resumé is as strong as they come.
Now in her first full season as a professional, Charlotte has already logged five top-10s and leads the Rookie of the Year standings.
“I had quite a long break from competitive golf before this season,” she says. “There were some good results and some disappointing ones, but I feel like I’m finding my feet again. Hopefully after a bit of a break, I can iron out a few issues and finish the season well.”
Playing professionally has brought its own set of lessons.
“I think the biggest adjustment has actually been the logistics, organising and booking travel. It’s not the fun part of golf, but it’s manageable. The biggest lesson has probably been around managing my schedule, figuring out how many weeks in a row I can play and still feel like I’m competing properly.”
Charlotte’s return to English soil for the Rose Ladies Open marks her first competitive event at home since the AIG Women’s Open in 2023.
“I’m really looking forward to having my family there this week,” she says. “A win here would mean a lot, but honestly, with how tight the rankings are, a win anywhere would mean a lot right now!”
Though at different stages in their careers, Clews and Heath share a common drive: to compete at the highest level and represent English golf on the biggest stages. Their presence at Hanbury Manor will undoubtedly be one of the stories to watch at this year’s Rose Ladies Open.
Whether you’re following the tour closely or just discovering these players for the first time, their journeys are a testament to the opportunity events like this provide, not just for trophies, but for careers in the making.
The Rose Ladies Open takes place at Hanbury Manor from 5–7 September. Entry is free, and all spectators are welcome.