Shiho Kuwaki of Japan clinched her first major championship title with a dramatic playoff victory at the AIG Women’s British Open on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England.
The 23-year-old from Okayama finished regulation play at 5-under 279 after a final-round 1-under 70, matching Esther Henseleit of Germany. Henseleit forced the sudden-death playoff with a long birdie putt on the 72nd hole to post a 70.
On the first extra hole (the 18th), Kuwaki scrambled for par after an errant drive into the rough, while Henseleit missed a makeable birdie putt from about 12 feet. On the second playoff hole, also the 18th, Henseleit drove into trouble and made bogey; Kuwaki reached the green in two and two-putted for par to secure the victory.
Yealimi Noh (74) of the United States held a three-shot lead heading into Sunday but faltered with early bogeys and finished third at 4-under.
Kuwaki’s strong performance included excelling in greens in regulation.
“I just can’t believe it,” Kuwaki said through a translator. “To be on a stage like this is just an honor.”
This marked Kuwaki’s first LPGA major victory and her second win of the 2026 season (she had two titles on the LPGA of Japan Tour earlier in the year). She became the latest Japanese player to claim the AIG Women’s Open, following winners including Hinako Shibuno (2019) and Miyu Yamashita (2025). The tournament carried a record $10 million purse, with Kuwaki earning $1.5 million.
Nelly Korda (68) and Jeeno Thitikul (73) tied for fourth at 2-under, with several others, including Charley Hull (72), sharing sixth at 1-under. Only 11 players finished under par on the demanding links course.
