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Shiho Kuwaki Wins AIG Women’s Open in Playoff

8/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Shiho Kuwaki won the 50th AIG Women’s Open at Lytham in a playoff.
Henseleit forced the playoff with a 45-foot birdie but lost after her tee shot hit a marshal, causing a bogey.
Kuwaki earned $1.5 million from the $10 million purse, becoming the third Japanese AIG Women’s Open champion and seventh Japanese LPGA major winner.
Kuwaki entered ranked 46th, led the JLPGA Mercedes Ranking, and deferred LPGA membership to 2027.

History

Historical Context

In July 2018 Hinako Shibuno turned professional and, after two JLPGA victories, captured the AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn in August 2019, winning by one stroke and becoming Japan’s first major champion since Hisako Higuchi in 1977. Her breakthrough paved the way for Shiho Kuwaki, who clinched a 2024 Lytham playoff, underscoring Japan’s expanding presence on the LPGA Tour.

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Story summary

Shiho Kuwaki won the 50th AIG Women’s Open at Lytham in a playoff.
Henseleit forced the playoff with a 45-foot birdie but lost after her tee shot hit a marshal, causing a bogey.
Kuwaki earned $1.5 million from the $10 million purse, becoming the third Japanese AIG Women’s Open champion and seventh Japanese LPGA major winner.
Kuwaki entered ranked 46th, led the JLPGA Mercedes Ranking, and deferred LPGA membership to 2027.

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