Japan's Shiho Kuwaki, 23, won her first major title in a dramatic playoff at the Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, denying Esther Henseleit, according to the Guardian.
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Key facts
- Shiho Kuwaki, a 23-year-old from Japan, won her first major championship.
- The tournament was decided by a playoff at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
- Esther Henseleit forced the playoff with a 45ft birdie on the final hole of regulation play.
- England's Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished tied sixth.
Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki claimed her first major championship on Sunday, winning the Women’s Open in dramatic circumstances at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The 23-year-old held her nerve through a playoff to seal a shock victory, according to the Guardian.
The final day was described as extraordinary, with a competition that for long stretches looked as though no one wanted to win rumbling on until fate intervened. The Guardian noted that even the ankle of a marshal appeared to play a crucial role in the outcome, underlining the unpredictable nature of the closing stages.
Esther Henseleit forced the playoff with a birdie from 45 feet on the final hole of regulation play, extending the tournament and setting up a tense finish. The moment left glory for Kuwaki and pain for Henseleit, the Guardian reported.
On the first visit back to the 18th during the playoff, Kuwaki played what the Guardian called a glorious approach to secure her four and the extension of the tournament.
England’s Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished tied for sixth, the Guardian reported.
Why it matters
A first major title is a career-defining achievement for any golfer, and Kuwaki's win adds a new name to the sport's list of champions. The dramatic playoff finish highlights the unpredictable nature of major championship golf and offers a memorable moment for fans following the Women's Open.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Women's Open?
Shiho Kuwaki, a 23-year-old from Japan, won the Women's Open, claiming her first major championship in a playoff at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
How was the tournament decided?
The tournament went to a playoff after Esther Henseleit forced extra play with a 45ft birdie on the final hole of regulation. Kuwaki then played a strong approach on the 18th to secure her win.
How did the English players perform?
England's Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished tied for sixth, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- Shiho Kuwaki holds her nerve in playoff drama to complete shock Women’s Open triumph
The Guardian Sport: Japanese 23-year-old wins her first major championship England’s Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finish tied sixth It was no surprise that an extraordinary Sunday at the Women’s Open ended in such circumstances. Has the ankle of a marshal ever before played a crucial role in the out