Shiho Kuwaki claimed the Women’s Open title after defeating Esther Henseleit in a tense two-hole play-off at Royal Lytham & St Annes. This victory marks the second consecutive year a Japanese competitor has lifted the trophy. Kuwaki, who missed the cut at the event just one year prior, finished with a final round of 70 to force the showdown.
The drama intensified on the 18th hole when Henseleit drained a 45-foot birdie putt to finish at five under par, matching Kuwaki’s total. During the play-off, Henseleit faced misfortune when her drive struck a marshal and settled into a gorse bush. Unable to save par, she conceded the title to Kuwaki, who took home the £1.11m top prize.
Yealimi Noh finished one stroke behind the leaders in third place. Meanwhile, world number one Nelly Korda ended at two under par following a final-round 68, failing to overcome a costly double-bogey from the previous day. Other contenders, including Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, were unable to mount a serious challenge for the lead.
Reflecting on her performance, Kuwaki expressed disbelief at her success, noting that she maintained focus on each individual shot. She is the fourth Japanese player to win this major tournament, and she remains optimistic about the future of professional golf in her home country.
