Shiho Kuwaki wins Women's British Open in playoff against Esther Henseleit

Shiho Kuwaki became the fifth Japanese player in the last three years to win a major Sunday when she outlasted Esther Henseleit of Germany with a par on the second playoff hole to win the Women's British Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Kuwaki closed with a 1-under 70 and looked like a winner as she waited in the scoring room to see if anyone could match her 5-under 279. Henseleit holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole for a 70 to force only the second playoff since the Women's British Open became a major in 2001.

Shiho Kuwaki defeated Esther Henseleit in a playoff to win the AIG Women's British Open and secure LPGA status.

Watch Japan's Shiho Kuwaki beat beat Esther Henseleit in a two-hole play-off to win the 2026 Women's Open, her first major title.

Shiho Kuwaki made a miraculous par save that led to her first major title at the AIG Women’s British Open in a dramatic two-hole playoff against Germany’s Esther Henseleit.

Shiho Kuwaki saved par to stay alive in a sudden-death playoff Sunday and won with a par on the second extra hole to claim the Women's British Open over Esther Henseleit.

Shiho Kuwaki holds her nerve to beat Esther Henseleit after two play-off holes to become the second consecutive Japanese player to win the Women's Open.

Shiho Kuwaki holds her nerve to beat Esther Henseleit after two play-off holes to become the second consecutive Japanese player to win the Women's Open.

Japan's Shiho Kuwaki won the women's British Open in a dramatic play-off with Esther Henseleit on Sunday, securing her first major title in memorable style.It was an unexpected breakthrough for Kuwaki, whose previous best finish at a major came in this year's women's US Open when she tied for 14th place.

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan saved par to stay alive in a sudden-death playoff Sunday and won with a par on the second extra hole to claim the Women’s British Open over Esther Henseleit of Germany for her first major title.

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan saved par to stay alive in a sudden-death playoff Sunday and won with a par on the second extra hole to claim the Women’s British Open over Esther Henseleit of Germany for her first major title. Kuwaki closed with a 1-under 70 and looked like a winner in regulation until Henseleit holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Lytham & St. Annes for a 70 to join Kuwaki at 5-under 279.