Shiho Kuwaki wins the British Open women’s title with a decisive defense.

Shiho Kuwaki, the young Japanese golfer, made history by winning her first prestigious title at the AIG Women’s British Open, defeating Germany’s Esther Henseleit in an exciting two-hole playoff at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. “I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it,” Kuwaki said emotionally after breaking through the barrier of major competitions. At just 23 years old, the golfer from Okayama, who had never finished in the top ten in six previous major tournament appearances, displayed impressive composure during the crucial moments of the competition.

After starting the final day of the tournament with bogeys on holes 4 and 5, Kuwaki found herself five strokes behind the leader after just five holes. However, her determination led her to make up ground with birdies on holes 9 and 13. With a solid finish, she reached the clubhouse lead with a total of five under par. However, Henseleit did not let herself be discouraged and, in a dramatic moment, forced the playoff by making a monumental 40-foot birdie on the 72nd hole. “It was a very tricky putt, to be honest, it was going right to left,” Henseleit commented.

In the first extra hole, Kuwaki faced a challenge by veering into the rough, but she managed an impressive third shot that left her just four feet from the hole, securing another par. When Henseleit missed her birdie putt, both players returned to the tee of the 18th hole for a second extra hole. Henseleit had an unfortunate day, as her ball, after a deflection, ended up in a gorse bush. “It must have been a bad bounce,” lamented Henseleit, who could not avoid the bogey, while Kuwaki kept her composure and secured the victory.

Kuwaki, who was inspired by the 2019 Women’s British Open champion, Hinako Shibuno, considers her a sister and received an encouraging message before the final round. The golfer highlighted her distinctive style, stating, “I’m probably one of the most ‘outside the box’ players, and that’s what gives me confidence on the course.”

The tournament also left a mark on other competitors, such as Yealimi Noh, who started the day as the leader but finished in third place after a 74. “Of course, it hurts to finish one under, but I’m really happy to have been in this position,” Noh said. World number 2, Jeeno Thitikul, and number 1, Nelly Korda, also failed to shine on the final day, finishing tied for fourth place.

Kuwaki, however, was the star of the day, receiving the trophy on the 18th green, with plans to celebrate big. “I love to drink alcohol and have fun, and I’m planning to drink a lot tonight,” the young player revealed, choosing whiskey soda as her drink of celebration.