The 50th edition of the AIG Women’s Open, the season‑ending major on the women’s golf calendar, concluded at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club with a dramatic finish that will be remembered for years to come. After four days of relentless competition, Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki emerged as the champion, securing her first major title in a thrilling playoff that highlighted the depth and excitement of the field.
Kuwaki finished the regulation 72 holes tied at five under par with Germany’s Esther Henseleit. Henseleit’s final‑round 70 was capped by a spectacular 45‑foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole, which forced the tie and sent the tournament into extra holes. The playoff began with both players making par on the first sudden‑death hole, but Henseleit missed a 10‑foot putt that would have clinched the win.
Kuwaki, faced with a difficult lie in thick rough, managed a creative pitch and salvaged a four‑stroke hole, keeping her hopes alive. The drama intensified on the second playoff hole. Henseleit’s tee shot ricocheted off a marshal’s marker and landed in a bush, compelling her to execute a delicate pitch back onto the fairway. The mishap resulted in a bogey, while Kuwaki found the green with her approach and two‑putted for birdie, sealing the victory.
In doing so, Kuwaki became the second consecutive Japanese player to win the AIG Women’s Open, joining the ranks of recent Japanese major champions and earning a $1.5 million first‑place prize. The leaderboard behind the leaders reflected a tightly contested tournament.
Overnight leader Yealimi Noh slipped to a solitary stroke behind the leaders, finishing third after a final‑round 74. The world’s top two players, Nelly Korda and Jeongeun “Jeeno” Thitikul, shared fourth place, each one stroke further back. Home favorite Charley Hull, along with fellow Briton Lottie Woad, finished tied for sixth, four strokes behind the leaders, while South Korean star Ha‑Ran Ryu, who was chasing a third consecutive major, ended the tournament at one under par.
Only 11 of the 68 competitors who made the cut survived the weekend under par, underscoring the challenging conditions that Royal Lytham presented. The course’s firm fairways, deep bunkers, and relentless coastal winds tested every aspect of a player’s game, from driving accuracy to short‑game finesse. Kuwaki’s steady play, especially her composure in the playoff, demonstrated why she belongs among the elite.
The AIG Women’s Open is the final major of the five‑major women’s schedule. Earlier in the year, Nelly Korda captured the Chevron Championship and the U.S.
Women’s Open, while Ha‑Ran Ryu added the Amundi Evian Championship to her KPMG Women’s PGA Championship triumph. The tournament’s prestige continues to grow, with Sky Sports holding exclusive live rights across the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, and Ladies European Tour, offering fans a contract‑free streaming option via NOW. Beyond the competition itself, the event highlighted the increasing global reach of women’s golf. Players from Japan, Germany, the United States, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom all featured prominently, illustrating the sport’s expanding talent pool.
The playoff between Kuwaki and Henseleit, two players from different continents, exemplified the international nature of modern golf. For fans seeking more coverage, Sky Sports provides a comprehensive suite of live broadcasts, highlights, and analysis, while the tournament’s official website offers video streams optimized for Chrome browsers. Golf enthusiasts can also explore booking options for over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, making it easy to experience the game on a variety of historic venues.
In summary, the 2025 AIG Women’s Open delivered a captivating finale at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Shiho Kuwaki’s maiden major victory, secured through skillful play and mental resilience in a high‑stakes playoff, will be remembered as a defining moment of the season.
The tournament’s competitive depth, international field, and dramatic conclusion reinforce the AIG Women’s Open’s status as a cornerstone of women’s professional golf.