Shiho Kuwaki of Japan won the Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, holding her nerve across two playoff holes to defeat Esther Henseleit in a finish shaped by an unlucky bounce off a marshal's leg.
Key facts
- Shiho Kuwaki, a 23-year-old from Japan, won her first major championship.
- She beat Esther Henseleit after two playoff holes.
- Henseleit forced the playoff with a 45ft birdie on the final hole of regulation.
- Kuwaki is the second consecutive Japanese player to win the Women's Open.
- England's Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished tied sixth.
Shiho Kuwaki of Japan won the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, claiming her first major championship after a dramatic playoff with Germany’s Esther Henseleit, according to the Guardian and the BBC.
The 23-year-old held her nerve through two playoff holes to secure the title. The BBC reported that Kuwaki became the second consecutive Japanese player to win the Women’s Open.
The finish was extraordinary. Henseleit had forced the playoff with a stunning birdie from 45 feet on the final hole of regulation play, the Guardian reported. On the first return to the 18th, Kuwaki played what the Guardian described as a glorious approach to secure her par four and extend the tournament.
The decisive twist came when Henseleit’s ball struck a marshal, as reported by the BBC. The Guardian noted the unusual circumstances, asking whether the ankle of a marshal had ever before played such a crucial role in the outcome of a major championship.
The Guardian characterised the day as one that looked for a long time as if no one wanted to win, rumbling on at Royal Lytham & St Annes until fate played its hand, ending in glory for Kuwaki and pain for Henseleit.
Among the English contingent, Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished tied for sixth, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
Kuwaki's victory marks her breakthrough on golf's biggest stage and continues a run of Japanese success at the Women's Open. The unusual role played by a marshal in deciding a major championship adds to the tournament's dramatic history.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Women's Open?
Shiho Kuwaki of Japan won the Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, her first major championship.
How did the playoff end?
Kuwaki beat Esther Henseleit after two playoff holes, in a finish shaped by Henseleit's ball striking a marshal, according to the BBC.
How did the English players do?
England's Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished tied for sixth, according to the Guardian.