The AIG Women’s Open is one of the five majors in women’s professional golf and a championship with a distinctive British links identity. First played in 1976 as the Women’s British Open, it joined the official LPGA Tour schedule in 1994 and became a major in 2001. Its venues test creativity, trajectory control and decision-making in changeable weather.
The story that defines this major
Shiho Kuwaki won the 50th AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2026 after a play-off that went to the second extra hole.
THE LINKS PLAYBOOK
Three decisions that matter on a links course
Choose the right flight
A low, controlled trajectory can limit the wind’s effect and give the ball a chance to run along the ground.
Use the contours
Firm fairways and open fronts invite running shots; the safest line may land short and release forward.
Take the percentage
Tall rough and deep bunkers punish poor misses. Getting back into play can be the best route to saving par.
At a glance
History and evolution
The championship was first played in 1976 under the name Women’s British Open. It became part of the LPGA Tour schedule in 1994 and was elevated to major status in 2001. The title has evolved with sponsorship, but its place among the most important championships in women’s golf is established.
The tournament’s venues are part of its character. Courses such as Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Birkdale, Carnoustie and the Old Course at St Andrews bring different links challenges, and the move from one venue to another helps keep the championship strategically fresh.
Signature stories and recent highlights
Links golf asks players to handle wind, firm turf, bunkers and run-up shots as well as conventional aerial approaches. Low trajectories, patience and good use of the ground can be as valuable as power, and a changing wind can reshape the strategy from one round to the next.
In 2026, Shiho Kuwaki won at Royal Lytham & St Annes after a two-hole playoff with Esther Henseleit. Both finished regulation at five under par, and Kuwaki’s victory earned her first LPGA Tour and major title.
Milestones in AIG Women’s Open history
- The first Women’s British Open is played.
- The championship joins the official LPGA Tour schedule.
- It becomes a major championship.
- Mo Martin wins at Royal Birkdale with an eagle on the final hole.
- Sophia Popov wins at Royal Troon in a major breakthrough.
- Lydia Ko wins at the Old Course at St Andrews.
- Shiho Kuwaki wins at Royal Lytham & St Annes after a two-hole playoff.
Format and how the champion is decided
The championship is played over 72 holes of stroke play, with a cut after the first 36 holes and a playoff procedure to decide a tie for first. Entry routes and qualifying conditions are set by the organisers and should be confirmed for each edition.
At links venues, players often need to use the contours of the ground and adapt their shot height to the wind. The best strategy may be a controlled shot that lands short and rolls toward the target rather than a high shot flown directly at the pin.
Links venues and course character
Past hosts include Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Birkdale, Carnoustie and the Old Course at St Andrews. The Old Course hosted the championship in 2024 and is a symbol of golf’s history, with shared greens, strategic bunkers and a layout shaped by the natural land.
Recent champions
| Year | Champion | Venue | Dates contested | The moment that mattered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Shiho Kuwaki−5 · 279 | Royal Lytham & St Annes | Jul 30–Aug 2, 2026 | Par on the second play-off hole gave Kuwaki her first major after Esther Henseleit forced extra holes with a birdie at 18. |
| 2025 | Miyu Yamashita−11 · 277 | Royal Porthcawl | Jul 31–Aug 3, 2025 | Won the championship in her first appearance at the event. |
| 2024 | Lydia Ko−7 · 281 | St Andrews · Old Course | Aug 22–25, 2024 | Her win followed Olympic gold and completed the final points needed for the LPGA Hall of Fame. |
| 2023 | Lilia Vu−14 · 274 | Walton Heath | Aug 10–13, 2023 | Added the AIG Women’s Open to her major wins in a standout season. |
| 2022 | Ashleigh Buhai−10 · 274 | Muirfield | Aug 4–7, 2022 | Recovered from late trouble and won a play-off after a tense final round. |
For the official schedule, rules and full records, see Official championship website ↗.
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