Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki won her first major at the AIG Women’s Open with a dramatic play-off victory at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Kuwaki, 23, defeated Esther Henseleit from Germany at the second playing of the 18th hole after both players finished on five-under-par.
Henseleit memorably holed a 45-feet birdie putt on the 72nd hole to reach the play-off before a bogey at the second extra hole ended her hopes.
Overnight leader Yealimi Noh from the USA finished third on four-under-par after a closing 74.
World numbers one and two Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul tied for fourth place on two-under, with English pair Lottie Woad and Charley Hull and South Korea’s Haeran Ryu a shot further back.
The best placed Aussie was Hannah Green in a Tie for 29th on +4. Robyn Choi had a good week, finishing T47 and she was the only other Australian to make the cut.
Cassie Porter (+6), Minjee Lee (+7), Karis Davidson (+8), Kelsey Bennett (+9), Kim Grace (+10), Steph Kyriacou (+12) and Justice Bosio (+15) all failed to make the weekend action.
Image – Courtesy R&A