The 50th edition of the AIG Women’s Open, the season‑ending major on the women’s professional golf calendar, concluded at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club with a thrilling finish that will be remembered for years to come. After four days of relentless competition, the final leaderboard reflected a tightly packed field, with a dozen players still in contention as the leaders approached the 72nd hole. Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki emerged as the champion, securing her first major title in a dramatic sudden‑death playoff. Throughout the final round, Kuwaki displayed composure and skill, carding a 70 that kept her in the hunt.
She finished the regulation 72 holes at five strokes under par, a score she shared with Germany’s Esther Henseleit, who had just delivered a spectacular 45‑foot birdie putt on the last hole to force a tie. The two women entered the playoff with their nerves tested and their games on full display. The first extra hole saw both competitors make par. Henseleit missed a 10‑foot putt that would have clinched the championship, while Kuwaki, after a challenging approach that left her in thick rough, managed to scramble a four.
The tension escalated on the second playoff hole when Henseleit’s tee shot struck a marshal’s marker and ricocheted into a bush, forcing her to execute a delicate pitch back onto the fairway. The mishap resulted in a bogey, whereas Kuwaki found the green with her approach and calmly two‑putted for the win. Her victory marked the second consecutive triumph for a Japanese player at the AIG Women’s Open, underscoring the growing influence of Asian talent in the sport. Finishing just one stroke behind the champions, South Korea’s Yealimi Noh, who had led the tournament overnight, posted a 74 in the final round to secure third place.
The world’s top‑ranked players, Nelly Korda of the United States and Thailand’s Jeongeun "Jeeno" Thitikul, both tied for fourth after each carded a round that left them one stroke further back. Their performances, while impressive, highlighted the depth of the field and the difficulty of breaking through at Royal Lytham’s challenging links layout.
In the middle of the pack, England’s Charley Hull and fellow home‑grown talent Lottie Woad both finished tied for sixth, four strokes behind the leaders. Their solid play gave British fans hope for a home victory, but ultimately it was not enough to overcome the relentless pressure of the major.
South Korea’s Ha Ryun, who entered the tournament seeking a third consecutive major title, concluded the event at one under par, demonstrating consistency but falling short of the ultimate prize. Only eleven of the sixty‑eight competitors who made the cut managed to finish under par for the tournament, a testament to the demanding nature of the Royal Lytham course. The links demands precise ball‑striking, strategic navigation of deep bunkers, and the ability to adapt to ever‑changing wind conditions.
Kuwaki’s triumph earned her a $1.5 million first‑place purse, a significant financial reward that also solidifies her status among the elite of women’s golf. The AIG Women’s Open represents the final major of the five‑event women’s schedule.
Earlier in the year, Nelly Korda captured the Chevron Championship, while the US Women’s Open was won by another top competitor. South Korea’s Ha Ryun added to her résumé by winning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and she also claimed the Amundi Evian Championship, completing a remarkable run of major victories across the season. Beyond the on‑course drama, the event was broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports, which continues to be a premier destination for golf fans worldwide. The network offers live coverage of all major tours, including the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, and Ladies European Tour, providing subscribers with comprehensive access to the sport without the need for long‑term contracts.
Golf enthusiasts can also stream events via NOW, a contract‑free platform that delivers high‑quality coverage directly to digital devices. For those inspired by the championship and looking to experience the game firsthand, a wide network of 1,700 courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland offers booking options for players of all skill levels. Whether you are searching by course name, city, or postal code, the platform aims to connect golfers with the perfect venue for their next round. In summary, the 2025 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes delivered a captivating climax to the women’s major season.
Shiho Kuwaki’s maiden major victory, secured through a nerve‑wracking playoff, highlighted the depth of talent and the unpredictable nature of links golf. The tournament showcased emerging stars, seasoned veterans, and a global roster of competitors, all vying for the sport’s most prestigious titles. The event’s legacy will endure not only through the scores on the leaderboard but also through the inspiring stories of perseverance, skill, and international camaraderie that defined this remarkable championship.