Shiho Kuwaki secured her first major championship title at the 2026 AIG Women’s Open held at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. The 23-year-old from Japan claimed victory on the second playoff hole after a tight battle against Esther Henseleit of Germany.
The final round saw a dramatic sequence of events. Kuwaki finished her round with a 1-under 70, ending at 5-under 279. Henseleit pushed the tournament into a sudden-death playoff by sinking a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.
In the playoff, the competitors traded difficult moments. Henseleit held the advantage early, but after both players navigated the pressure of the extra holes, Kuwaki emerged victorious when Henseleit missed a crucial par putt on the second extra hole. Kuwaki simply tapped in to secure the win.
This victory marks the second consecutive AIG Women’s Open win for a player from Japan. Kuwaki joins a growing list of Japanese competitors who have found success on the LPGA stage over the last three years. She remained composed throughout the day, playing bogey-free golf over her final 13 holes before the playoff began.
Reflecting on the achievement, Kuwaki expressed her disbelief and gratitude for the experience at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Henseleit, despite the loss, remained proud of her performance under the pressure of a major championship environment. The tournament concluded with a total purse of $10 million, cementing its status as one of the most significant events on the calendar.