Japanese star claims maiden major championship after edging Esther Henseleit in a thrilling finish at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Japanese golfer Shiho Kuwaki produced a remarkable display of composure and resilience to capture the 50th AIG Women’s Open, defeating Germany’s Esther Henseleit in a dramatic play-off at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club on Sunday.
The 23-year-old entered the final hole holding a one-shot lead at five-under-par before Henseleit thrilled spectators by sinking a long-range birdie putt on the 18th green to force extra holes.
The first play-off hole tested Kuwaki’s resolve after she found trouble off the tee. However, the Japanese star responded with a superb recovery approach before saving par to keep her title hopes alive.
The decisive moment came on the second extra hole when Henseleit’s tee shot disappeared into a gorse bush to the right of the fairway, leading to a costly bogey. Kuwaki safely reached the green in regulation and calmly rolled in the most important par putt of her career to secure her maiden major championship.
The victory marks Kuwaki’s first appearance in the winner’s circle at a major and comes in only her second start at the AIG Women’s Open. The triumph also continues Japan’s impressive history in the championship, making her the fourth Japanese player to lift the trophy after Ayaka Okamoto (1984), Hinako Shibuno (2019), and defending champion Miyu Yamashita.
Royal Lytham & St Annes once again proved to be one of golf’s toughest examinations, with its notorious pot bunkers allowing only 11 players to finish the championship under par.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda and World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul shared fourth place at two-under-par. Halfway leader Haeran Ryu finished one stroke further back alongside England’s Charley Hull and rising star Lottie Woad.
The lowest rounds of the final day belonged to Sara Kouskova and Hyo Joo Kim, who both carded impressive four-under-par 67s.
Kuwaki arrived in England in excellent form after winning twice on the LPGA of Japan Tour over the previous three months. She stayed among the leaders throughout the week with rounds of 66, 70, 73 and 70, finishing at five-under-par.
Her consistency was reflected in the statistics, leading the field in greens in regulation (81%) while ranking tied third in fairways hit (79%). On the final day, she carded a composed one-under-par round featuring three birdies before closing with five consecutive pars, demonstrating the patience and determination that ultimately earned her one of women’s golf’s most prestigious titles.
