Charlotte Naughton capped an incredible season by becoming the first winner of the Women’s European Amateur Order of Merit.
Eighteen-year-old Charlotte, who is based at The Longhirst Club and began her freshman year at the University of Texas this summer, earned a European Golf Association gold medal for the achievement along with an invitation to compete on the Ladies European Tour.
Having started the year with a string of impressive top five finishes, Charlotte’s victory at the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship in Sweden proved the defining moment of her season, helping her secure the title by more than 500 points and booking her a spot at the 2026 AIG Women’s Open.
“My highlight from 2026 is the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship,” said Charlotte. “Winning one of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe is my biggest achievement to-date and I’m so proud my hard work paid off.
“Another highlight was being part of Team GB&I in the Curtis Cup, which had been a dream of mine for the longest time. It was so much fun being able to test my game against the top American amateurs.
“My targets for 2027 are to have a successful freshman year at the University of Texas, to continue to represent my county, and to put myself in contention at high-level tournaments.
“Being part of the England setup has helped me develop all aspects of my game. The coaching team has given me so much support and advice throughout the years, and I’ve been given the most amazing opportunities to compete at great tournaments and make memories that will last a lifetime.
“The love and support from my family has helped me so much throughout my golf journey too. They have given me so many incredible opportunities and taken me all over the world to allow me to pursue my dreams.”
Charlotte also won the Junior Orange Bowl in the US earlier in the year, finished third at the German International Women’s Amateur, and finished third in the individual standings at the European Nations Cup – helping England to a T2 finish. She was also part of the England team which won bronze at the European Ladies’ Team Championship and won the Women’s Home Internationals.
As well as a top five finish at the Portuguese Amateur Championship, Charlotte also won the Lawson Trophy for a third straight year at the St Rule Trophy as the leading player under the age of 18, and played in events on both the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour this season.
