Kirsten Rudgeley has achieved a feat in golf that eluded even global greats Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson in their storied careers: she’s made the cut in a men’s tour event.

Granted, Rudgeley playing all four rounds at the 2019 WA Open at Cottesloe Golf Club as an amateur didn’t generate quite as much media hype as the efforts of her celebrated colleagues. Yet it remains a standout achievement in her career.

Five years on, and now firmly established as a leading player on the Ladies European Tour, Rudgeley remains the only woman to make a cut at a WA Open.

This year she hopes to extend her record as she returns to contest the 2025 Nexus Advisernet Bowra & O’Dea WA Open at home club Mount Lawley GC from October 16-19.

The 24-year-old has accepted an invitation to compete in the 101st WA Open and is assured of strong support at the club where she came through the ranks as a junior on her way to becoming Australia’s number one-ranked amateur.

“I can’t wait to get home and play,” Rudgeley told GolfWA. “The WA Open is a challenging tournament. It brings out my best golf and I get to play at my home course with the best players.

“The course at Mount Lawley is in great shape right now and I’m really looking forward to playing. It’s going to be a great week.”

After an inconsistent first half to the LET season, Rudgeley has produced some of her best golf in recent weeks and recorded back-to-back top 10s at the La Sella Open and Ladies Open de France in her past two outings.

With her game trending in the right direction, Rudgeley believes she has what it takes to make her mark on the WA Open once again.

“Making the cut in a men’s event off the back tees is a big achievement,” she added. “It’s a level playing field against the men, which really pushes me.

“My ambition is to make the cut again and just enjoy the challenges and catching up with everyone. I’ve got as much chance as anyone [of making the cut]. Golf is golf and if it’s your week to shine then it’s a great week.”

The Nexus Advisernet Bowra & O’Dea WA Open takes place at Mount Lawley Golf Club from October 16-19. Entry is free. Full details on the event can be found here.