Alexander holds off Maguire to win Women's Irish Open at the K Club

Casandra Alexander beat a chasing field to win the Women's Irish Open at the K Club in County Kildare on August 30, 2026, finishing 20 under par and three shots clear of Sara Kouskova. Leona Maguire's late rally at her home tournament fell short as she finished at 15 under par.

The final leaderboard listed Alexander on -20, Kouskova on -17 and Nanna Komulainen on -16, with Maguire and Linn Rydqvist on -15. The 27-year-old Alexander recorded her second European Tour victory, having previously won the Czech Open in 2025, and extended her lead at the top of the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit. Alexander said she was "really pumped" to lift the trophy after four second-place finishes this year.

Maguire produced a stunning 63 on Saturday to close the gap on the overnight leader but could not overtake Alexander, signing off with a closing 68 to finish at -15. "It was another successful Irish Open and the fans made it," Maguire told Sky Sports. She added: "It's nice to get a couple of low rounds and while Friday was the one that got away, overall 15-under is solid and it was nice to give the home fans something to cheer about."

Alexander held an overnight lead and managed the final round to maintain her margin, finishing three strokes ahead of Kouskova of the Czech Republic. "It's always tough on the final day when you are leading," Alexander told Sky Sports. "Order of Merit is goal number one and winning golf tournaments is the best way to do it. "I'm glad I could get it done and I can't wait to get home and celebrate with friends and family."

The published final standings included a group at -13 featuring A. Garvey (Aus), C. Viden (Swe), K. Arwefjaell (Swe), M. Folke (Swe) and S. Tan (Sin). Selected others in the leaderboard were -12 L. M. Humphreys (Eng); -11 A. Dawson (IoM); -8 L. Walsh (Ire); -7 H. Screen (Eng); -6 A. Foster (Ire); -4 A. Donegan (Ire) and -2 A. Wilson (NI).

Maguire, 31, will now switch her focus to the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands after being selected as a wildcard pick by European captain Anna Nordqvist, while Alexander heads home to celebrate her victory with friends and family as she carries momentum atop the Order of Merit.