Shiho Kuwaki wins AIG Women's Open in two-hole playoff

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan won the AIG Women’s Open on Sunday, August 2, 2026, securing her first major championship title in a dramatic two-hole playoff against Germany’s Esther Henseleit at Royal Lytham St. Annes in England. The 23-year-old clinched victory with a par on the second extra hole after a day of shifting fortunes and high tension.

Both players finished the regulation 72 holes tied at five under par. Kuwaki posted a one-under 70 in the final round, setting the clubhouse target. Henseleit, playing in the final group, forced the playoff by sinking a remarkable long birdie putt, estimated between 40 and 45 feet, on the 18th green.

The sudden-death playoff began on the par-4 18th. Kuwaki’s tee shot found thick rough, forcing her to lay up short of the green, while Henseleit reached the green in regulation. Kuwaki then hit a superb wedge shot to within three feet to save par, surviving after Henseleit missed a birdie putt for the win.

On the second playoff hole, also the 18th, fortune turned. Henseleit’s tee shot struck a course marshal and deflected into a gorse bush, leading to a bogey. Kuwaki, with a steady drive and two-putt, secured the par and the championship. The win...