AIG Women's Open 2026 eased into one of its most dramatic endgames, with Japan's Shiho Kuwaki surviving a sudden-death playoff with Germany's Esther Henseleit to win her first major championship. The 23-year-old, also ranked number 46 in the world, ended regulation at the AIG Women's Open 2026 with a 1-under 70 to finish at 5-under 279 in number, which was to last until Henseleit scored one of the most memorable moments in the tournament with a 40-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole. That putt led to a playoff and one of the most memorable finishes that the AIG Women 2026 Open has ever witnessed; and by the time it was over, Kuwaki had made herself a part of the history of the championship at the AIG Women 2026 Open.
AIG Women's Open 2026: How the Playoff Unfolded
The extra holes turned on fine margins. Kuwaki's tee shot on the first playoff hole settled in thick rough short of a bunker, forcing her to lay up. She responded with a sharp wedge to three feet, holding her nerve after Henseleit narrowly missed a birdie putt that would have sealed the title immediately.
The second playoff hole told a different story. Henseleit's drive drifted into gorse bushes right of the fairway. Though she scrambled back into position, her 12 foot par attempt slid past the hole. Kuwaki needed only a simple tap in to complete the win.
Henseleit said afterward that she was satisfied with how she created her chance and managed herself throughout the round, attributing the loss to a stretch of bad luck on the closing hole.
Continuing Japan's Major Championship Surge
Kuwaki's triumph extends a remarkable run for Japanese golf on the biggest stages. She becomes the second straight Japanese winner of this title, following Miyu Yamashita's victory a year ago, and joins Yamashita, Mao Saigo, Yuka Saso, and Ayaka Furue as the fifth Japanese golfer to win an LPGA major within the past three years.
What made the win especially impressive was the composure Kuwaki showed down the stretch, playing her final 13 holes of regulation without a single bogey while contenders around her stumbled.
The Chasing Pack
Third round leader Yealimi Noh entered Sunday with a three shot cushion but couldn't hold on, bleeding shots with bogeys on the back nine to finish one stroke shy of the playoff. South Korea's Haeran Ryu, chasing a historic third consecutive major title, stayed in contention deep into the final round before a pair of late bogeys dropped her into a tie for sixth. World No. 1 Nelly Korda made a late charge with a 68 but ultimately finished tied for fourth alongside Jeeno Thitikul.
The playoff was only the second in the championship's history since it was elevated to major status in 2001, adding another layer of significance to Kuwaki's breakthrough win at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.
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