The 50th edition of the AIG Women’s Open, the season‑ending major on the women’s tour, concluded at the storied links of Royal Lytham & St Annes with a dramatic finish that will be remembered for years to come. After four rounds of high‑stakes golf, Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki emerged as the champion, securing her first major title in a sudden‑death playoff that showcased both skill and nerves of steel. Kuwaki entered the final round tied at five under par with Germany’s Esther Henseleit. Both players had navigated a challenging course that tested every aspect of their game – from precise iron play on the firm, wind‑swept fairways to delicate touch around the notoriously tricky greens.
The tension reached its peak on the 72nd hole, where Henseleit produced a spectacular 45‑foot birdie putt that matched Kuwaki’s round‑closing 70, forcing the tournament into extra holes. The playoff began with both competitors making par on the first sudden‑death hole. Henseleit then faced a 10‑foot putt that would have clinched the championship, but the ball rolled just beyond the lip, leaving the title still up for grabs. Kuwaki, who had found herself in thick rough after her approach, executed a delicate pitch that left her with a four‑stroke putt for par – a putt she calmly sank to stay in contention.
On the second playoff hole, Henseleit’s tee shot struck a marshal’s marker and ricocheted into a nearby bush, a mishap that forced her to scramble back onto the fairway and ultimately resulted in a bogey. Kuwaki, by contrast, found the green with her tee shot, set up a straightforward two‑putt, and secured the victory. Her composure under pressure not only earned her the championship but also a $1.5 million winner’s purse, making her the second consecutive Japanese player to claim the AIG Women’s Open title. The rest of the leaderboard reflected a tightly packed field.
Overnight leader Yealimi Noh, who had held the top spot after the third round, finished one stroke behind the leaders, taking third place after a final‑round 74. The world’s top two ranked players, Nelly Korda and Jeongeun “Jeeno” Thitikul, both posted solid performances but fell short, sharing fourth place a further stroke back. Home favorites Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, hoping to deliver a British victory and continue a potential streak of three consecutive wins at Royal Lytham, ended tied for sixth, four strokes behind the leaders.
South Korean rising star Ha‑Rin Ryu, who was chasing a third straight major title, also finished on the scoreboard at one under par. Only 11 of the 68 competitors who made the cut managed to finish under par for the tournament, underscoring the difficulty of the Royal Lytham layout. The course’s deep bunkers, fast greens, and ever‑changing coastal winds proved a stern test for even the most seasoned professionals.
The AIG Women’s Open represents the final major of the five‑event women’s calendar. Earlier in the year, Nelly Korda captured the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, while Ha‑Rin Ryu added the Amundi Evian Championship to her résumé after a successful run at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The 2025 season therefore saw a diverse group of players sharing major honors, highlighting the depth of talent on the LPGA Tour.
Broadcast coverage of the event was provided exclusively by Sky Sports, which continues to serve as the primary home for golf across the major tours, including the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, and Ladies European Tour. Viewers were encouraged to watch via Chrome for optimal video accessibility, and Sky Sports also promoted its contract‑free streaming options for fans seeking flexible viewing solutions.
Beyond the tournament itself, the AIG Women’s Open’s legacy includes a commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level. The event’s partnership with local clubs across the United Kingdom and Ireland offers golfers the chance to book tee times at more than 1,700 courses, fostering greater participation and enthusiasm for the sport. In summary, Shiho Kuwaki’s triumph at Royal Lytham & St Annes was a masterclass in resilience and precision, secured after a nail‑biting playoff that saw both contenders push the limits of their abilities.
The final leaderboard not only celebrated her breakthrough victory but also highlighted the competitive spirit of a field that featured rising stars, seasoned veterans, and a handful of players who managed to break par on one of the most demanding courses in women’s golf. The 2025 AIG Women’s Open will be remembered as a showcase of international talent, dramatic finishes, and the enduring allure of championship golf on the storied links of Royal Lytham.