Muse Breaks Through in Demanding Conditions to Win NXXT Women’s Championship
- Andrei Rosales
- Mar 19
- 3 min read

Scotland’s Alison Muirhead takes the lead in the GolfJoy Player of the Year race
Winter Garden, FL - Mar 19, 2026 - In a championship defined by cold, wind, and relentless pressure, England’s Hollie Muse delivered a performance built on control and resilience, capturing the NXXT Women’s Championship at Stoneybrook West at 2-under-par 214 to earn her first professional victory.
Played in unseasonably cold temperatures near 46°F and blistering winds, the week presented a far different test than typical Florida conditions. Scoring was at a premium, and patience became as important as power.
Muse proved best equipped for both.
Control, Discipline, and Separation
From the opening round, Muse established herself as a contender, posting a steady 69 before navigating increasingly difficult conditions across the final two rounds.
Her performance was defined by consistency including 12 total birdies — the most in the championship field. In a championship where par was often a strong score, Muse’s ability to limit mistakes while still generating birdie opportunities proved decisive.
Pressure Mounts on the Final Day
Despite Muse’s steady control, the championship tightened late.
Scotland’s Alison Muirhead delivered one of the strongest rounds of the week, firing a 3-under-par 69 to apply pressure through the closing stretch. Gabby Woods also remained firmly in contention throughout the final round, matching the lead group’s pace and staying within reach.
Both players finished tied for second at 1-over-par 217, pushing the outcome into the final holes and ensuring the championship remained in doubt deep into Wednesday afternoon.
Further back, Kate Villegas produced one of the defining moments of the championship, recording four consecutive birdies on holes 14 through 17 to surge into solo fourth.
Precision Pro Low Round of the Week
The Precision Pro Low Round of the Week was awarded to Kate Villegas for her final-round 69, which tied the low round of the day with Alison Muirhead and Hollie Muse.
Villegas earned the tiebreaker based on her exceptional closing stretch, highlighted by a decisive back-nine push 4 under par that separated her performance down the stretch. The weekly award includes a Precision Pro rangefinder.
A Breakthrough Moment
For Muse, the victory represents more than a title — it marks a breakthrough.
After a successful amateur and collegiate career, including time at Arizona and East Tennessee State, Muse secures her first professional win, signaling a significant step forward as she continues her progression at the professional level.
In a week that demanded resilience and composure, she delivered both.
Final Leaderboard — Top 5
1 | Hollie Muse (England) | — 214 (-2) |
T2 | Alison Muirhead (Scotland) | — 217 (+1) |
T2 | Gabby Woods (USA) | — 217 (+1) |
4 | Kate Villegas (USA) | — 220 (+4) |
5 | Chloe Chan (Hong Kong) | — 225 (+9) |
GolfJoy Player of the Year Race Set for Finale
With one event remaining, the GolfJoy Player of the Year race now heads to a decisive finish.
Alison Muirhead leads the standings with 775 points, followed closely by Gabby Barker (751.5), with multiple players still within reach heading into the final event. With 250–500 points available at the finale, the title remains firmly in play.
At stake is the GolfJoy Spica 3 Launch Monitor, valued at approximately $4,000, awarded to the season’s top performer.
Looking Ahead
The NXXT Women’s Pro Tour now moves to its final event of the season, where the Player of the Year will be decided.
With elite competition, international depth, and season-long recognition on the line, the finale promises to deliver a fitting conclusion to the 2026 season.
About NXXT Golf
NXXT Golf delivers elite women’s professional and developmental competition through championship venues, international player fields, and performance-based pathways.
By creating opportunities for professionals and rising amateurs to compete together in high-level environments, NXXT continues to shape the future of women’s golf.



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