Shiho Kuwaki Claims Women's Open Title | Auckland News

Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 3, 2026 · 1m

Shiho Kuwaki just made history—snagging her first major championship with a nail-biting playoff win at Royal Lytham, defeating Germany’s Esther Henseleit on the second extra hole. Both tied at five under after regulation, Kuwaki calmly sank her putt while Henseleit missed hers, sealing Japan’s back-to-back Women’s Open triumphs. Yealimi Noh faded from the lead to third, while last year’s winner Lydia Ko slipped to 20th. World No. 1 Nelly Korda and No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul battled hard but finished tied fourth. A wild, back-nine showdown saw Kuwaki’s composure outshine Henseleit’s late charge—pure…