Shiho Kuwaki wins 50th AIG Women’s Open in play-off at Royal Lytham
Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki secured her first major title and the $1.5m top prize after defeating Esther Henseleit in a dramatic play-off, underscoring the rising competitive depth and commercial stakes of the women’s game.
Shiho Kuwaki claimed her maiden major championship at the 50th AIG Women’s Open, defeating Esther Henseleit in a sudden-death play-off at Royal Lytham and St Annes. The winner from Japan finished level at five under par after a final-round 70, matching Henseleit’s score and forcing extra holes on Sunday.
The play-off hinged on a dramatic shift in momentum during the second extra hole. After both players managed par on the first, Henseleit’s tee shot struck a marshal and deflected into a bush, forcing a difficult pitch back into play and resulting in a bogey. Kuwaki capitalised on the error by finding the green and two-putting to secure the victory.
Henseleit’s runner-up finish followed a remarkable 45-foot birdie on the 72nd hole that initially salvaged her tournament and sent the contest into extra holes. The result also dashed the hopes of British contenders Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, who finished in a share of sixth place, four strokes adrift. A third consecutive British victory at Royal Lytham remained out of reach.
Punishing conditions at the venue left only 11 of the 68 players who made the weekend finishing under par. Overnight leader Yealimi Noh slipped to third place after a final-round 74, while the world’s top two players, Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul, ended a further stroke back in a tie for fourth. Haeran Ryu, who was chasing a third consecutive major title, also finished tied for sixth at one under par, highlighting the tightly contested nature of the leaderboard.
Kuwaki’s triumph marks the second successive year a winner from Japan has taken the tournament, securing the $1.5m first prize. This substantial payout underscores the growing commercial viability and increasing prize funds within the women’s major circuit. As the fifth and final major of the year, the event reinforces the economic footprint of elite women’s golf in Europe, following earlier season victories by Korda and Ryu across the premier championships.
