Shiho Kuwaki of Japan secured her first major golf title by winning the Women’s British Open in a sudden-death playoff at Royal Lytham & St. Annes on Sunday. Kuwaki, 23, finished the regulation 72 holes tied at five under par with Germany’s Esther Henseleit after both carded a one-under 70 in the final round.
Henseleit, playing in the final group, forced the playoff with a remarkable 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. The sudden-death playoff began on the 18th tee, where Henseleit initially held the advantage after Kuwaki found deep rough short of a bunker and opted to lay up. Kuwaki responded by hitting a wedge shot to three feet and salvaging par, extending the contest.
The momentum shifted on the second extra hole when Henseleit’s tee shot veered into a gorse bush. Although she managed to advance the ball back to the fairway and reached the green in regulation, her 12-foot par putt slid left of the cup. Kuwaki then safely two-putted for par to claim the title and the top prize of £1.11 million.
After the victory, Kuwaki expressed disbelief and gratitude, noting the honor of competing at such a high level and her desire to continue representing Japan successfully. Her win marked the second consecutive Women’s British Open champion from Japan, following Miyu Yamashita’s triumph in 2025. Kuwaki, ranked 46th in the world entering the tournament, played bogey-free over her final 13 holes as rivals faltered.
Henseleit acknowledged the final putt as a turning point, calling herself "a bit unlucky" on the second playoff hole. The 27-year-old German had been in a strong position throughout the day and praised her effort despite falling short.
Third place went to Yealimi Noh of the United States, who began the day with a three-shot lead but struggled during the final round to finish one stroke behind the playoff contenders. Noh, 25, remarked on the disappointment but highlighted the positive impact the tournament had on her confidence after a difficult stretch.
Other notable contenders included Haeran Ryu, who sought to join an elite group of women having won three consecutive majors in a year but closed tied for sixth after back-to-back bogeys. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, winner of the year's first two majors, finished tied for fourth after a closing 68. Brooke Henderson of Canada ended the tournament tied for 29th at four over par.
This event marked only the second playoff in the Women’s British Open since it became a major championship in 2001, underscoring the competitive tension present throughout the final round.