Shiho Kuwaki won the 2026 Women's British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England on August 2, beating Germany's Esther Henseleit in a sudden-death playoff after both finished the regulation 72 holes at 5-under par 279 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Kuwaki, 23, secured the victory on the second extra hole when Henseleit's drive struck a marshal's ankle and was deflected into a gorse bush, wrecking her chance to save par and extend the playoff [1, 3, 5].
Esther Henseleit forced the playoff with a dramatic long birdie putt measuring around 40 to 45 feet on the 18th hole during the final round [1, 6, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Kuwaki recalled, "Yeah, my hands were shaking while I was watching her go up to that putt, but I did think to myself as soon as I came off 18 it probably would be a playoff, so I was prepared for that" [4].
The tournament marked the 50th anniversary of the Women's British Open [2, 7, 8]. Kuwaki turned professional in 2021 and had previously won the 2024 Japan LPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup [2, 7, 8]. The 2026 title was her first major victory after missing the cut at last year's Women's British Open and previously tying for 14th at the US Open this year [2, 7, 8]. Kuwaki earned a record US$1.5 million in prize money [2, 7, 8]. She played the tournament wearing a mint green top and used a luminous green golf ball [2, 7, 8].
Kuwaki said, "I just can't believe it. To be on a stage like this is an honour and every hole I was just focused on shot by shot. I just tried to enjoy it as much as I could" [2]. She added, "It's an amazing feeling to win again as a Japanese player. I hope as team Japan we can continue to light up the golf world" [2]. Kuwaki also expressed sympathy for those affected by a recent earthquake in Japan that caused at least 36 deaths: "Recently we had an earthquake in Japan and I'd like to wish people a speedy recovery and best wishes" [2, 7, 8].
Yealimi Noh led after 54 holes with a three-shot margin but finished third at 4-under par, disappointing in her chance to win [1, 2, 7, 3, 8]. Noh said of losing the lead, "It stung" [3]. Singaporean Shannon Tan earned a career-best major finish, tying for sixth place after shooting two-under 69 in the final round [2, 7, 8]. World number one Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Ryu Hae-ran both fell short in their bids for a third major title of 2026 [2, 7, 8].
The final round and sudden-death playoff featured intense drama, including the rare incident where Henseleit's drive hit a marshal's ankle [1, 3, 5]. Kuwaki closed out the playoff on the second hole, a historic win at the tournament's golden anniversary.
The next major event on the women's golf calendar will start later this month, as players prepare for the 2026 U.S. Women's Open.
