Kuwaki wins the Women’s British Open on second playoff hole

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 3, 2026

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan won her first major title at the Women’s British Open, defeating Esther Henseleit in a sudden-death playoff after both finished the regulation rounds tied at five-under par. Kuwaki’s victory marks the second consecutive British Open win for a Japanese player and continues the country’s recent dominance in LPGA majors, earning her a record $1.5 million prize.

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan captured her first major championship title on August 2 at the Women’s British Open, held at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England. Kuwaki secured victory with a par on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff against Germany’s Esther Henseleit, after both players completed the regulation 72 holes tied at five-under 279.

Kuwaki, ranked 46th in the world, closed the final round with a one-under 70, holding steady in a bogey-free stretch over the last 13 holes while others faltered. Henseleit, ranked 43rd, finished the round with a birdie putt from 40 feet on the 18th hole, a dramatic shot that forced the playoff. The sudden-death session began on the 18th hole, where Henseleit initially gained the advantage by placing Kuwaki in a difficult position in deep rough near a bunker. Despite this, Kuwaki executed a precise wedge shot to within three feet and saved par. Henseleit missed a 15-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole, extending the contest.

The second playoff hole proved decisive. Henseleit’s tee shot struck a course marshal and deflected into thick gorse bushes, complicating her approach. Although she managed to reach the fairway and hit a wedge shot to about 12 feet, her par putt missed, allowing Kuwaki to secure victory with a simple par. Kuwaki later expressed disbelief and gratitude, highlighting her focus and enjoyment throughout the tournament. Henseleit acknowledged the disappointment but praised her effort, noting she gave her all.

Kuwaki’s win marked the second consecutive Women’s British Open title for Japan, following Miyu Yamashita’s triumph at Royal Porthcawl in 2025. She became the fifth Japanese player to win an LPGA major in the last three years and the fourth Japanese woman to claim the British Open title, joining Yamashita, Ayako Okamoto, and Hinako Shibuno. Kuwaki turned professional in 2021 and had previously won the Japan LPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup in 2024. Known for her distinctive fashion sense on the course, she used a vivid green ball and wore a mint green top during the event.

Yealimi Noh of California, who held a three-shot lead entering the final round, finished third after a 74. Noh, who had missed three consecutive cuts prior to the tournament, expressed satisfaction with her overall performance despite narrowly missing the playoff. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, seeking a third major title of the year after victories at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, finished tied for fourth alongside Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul. Haeron Ryu of South Korea, aiming for a historic third consecutive major title following wins at the Women’s PGA and Evian Championships, tied for sixth after closing with back-to-back bogeys. Singapore’s Shannon Tan also recorded a career-best major finish, tying for sixth with Ryu.

Brooke Henderson of Canada ended the tournament tied for 29th at four-over par. Kuwaki earned a tournament record prize of $1.5 million, further underscoring the significance of her breakthrough victory on the 50th anniversary of the Women’s British Open’s status as a major championship.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.