The European Golf Association (EGA), the Ladies European Tour (LET) and LET Access Series (LETAS) have confirmed a collaboration that will see professional playing opportunities integrated into the new European Amateur Order of Merit (EAOM), launched earlier this year.
The EAOM, developed by the EGA and its member federations, aims to strengthen the European elite amateur calendar by increasing the visibility and value of its leading championships while rewarding consistent performance across the season. A key objective of the initiative is to create valuable opportunities for Europe’s top amateur players on the professional side of the game.
As part of this collaboration, the LET and LETAS will provide tournament invitations to leading players from the EAOM rankings and selected event winners. These opportunities will offer Europe’s top amateurs direct access to professional competition and valuable experience at the next level.
For the pilot 2026 EAOM season, invitations have been confirmed for the Ladies Italian Open on the LET as well as the Q Tour Himmerland, Ladies Slovak Golf Open, Terre Blanche Ladies Open and Iberdrola Calatayud Ladies Open on the LETAS.
Additional playing rewards on the professional tours will be provided by the EGA’s member federations to top-performing players across the EAOM season, including event winners and leading players in the final rankings.
EGA general secretary Michael Thannhäuser said: “We would like to thank the Ladies European Tour and LET Access Series for their valuable support of the European Amateur Order of Merit. This collaboration is an important step in strengthening the pathway between amateur and professional golf in Europe. By aligning our efforts, we are able to reward performance in a meaningful way and provide the next generation of players with attractive playing opportunities as they look to develop as golfers.”
LET director of operations Diane Barnard added: “We’re proud to be working with the EGA to increase opportunities for elite amateur players to compete on the professional stage by offering invitations on LETAS and the LET. We’ve seen how important it is for players to gain experience early on in their careers. Helen Briem is a prime example of a player who performed well in EGA events before winning on LETAS and the LET.”
The 2026 season will serve as a pilot phase for the EAOM invites as the LET, LETAS and EGA work together to develop more opportunities within women’s golf.
