Miyu Yamashita’s Breakthrough at Royal Porthcawl: A Historic 2025 AIG Women’s Open

The 2025 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl was more than just the final major of the season—it was a celebration of resilience, precision, and the ever-expanding legacy of women’s golf. With a record-breaking purse, a dramatic duel down the stretch, and even a touch of hole-in-one magic, this year’s championship delivered on every front.

A New Chapter at Royal Porthcawl

For the first time in its 49-year history, the Women’s Open was held at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in South Wales—a venue known for its rugged coastal beauty and demanding links layout. The course tested every facet of the players’ games, with swirling winds and firm fairways demanding strategic brilliance.

Miyu Yamashita: From LPGA of Japan Star to Major Champion

24-year-old Miyu Yamashita of Japan emerged victorious, carding rounds of 68-65-74-70 to finish at 11-under-par (277). Her composed final round of 70 held off a fierce charge from England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese contender Minami Katsu, who both finished two shots back at 9-under.

Yamashita’s triumph marked her first LPGA Tour win and maiden major title, a breakthrough moment after years of dominance on the LPGA of Japan Tour. Her victory was especially poignant given she missed the cut at this event just a year ago.

Record Prize Money and a Statement for Equality

The 2025 edition featured a record $9.75 million purse, with Yamashita earning a historic $1,462,500—the largest winner’s cheque in the tournament’s history. The R&A and AIG’s continued commitment to closing the gender pay gap in golf was on full display, setting a new benchmark for women’s majors.

Position	Player	Score	Earnings
1st	Miyu Yamashita	-11	$1,462,500
T2	Charley Hull	-9	$772,391
T2	Minami Katsu	-9	$772,391
T4	A Lim Kim	-7	$452,217
T4	Rio Takeda	-7	$452,217
T8	Lottie Woad	-4	$228,359
T8	Steph Kyriacou	-4	$228,359
T8	Paula Martin Sampedro (Am)	-4	$0

Hole-in-One History: A Rare Double Delight

In a twist of fate that only golf can deliver, the championship saw two aces—a rarity in major tournaments. Stephanie Kyriacou struck first on Friday, and then Mimi Rhodes followed suit on Sunday, banking her shot off Kyriacou herself for an unforgettable moment. This marked only the fifth time in Women’s Open history that multiple aces were recorded in the same event.

Charley Hull: The People's Champion

Though she fell just short, Charley Hull’s performance was a masterclass in grit and flair. Her fifth top-three finish in a major continues to build anticipation for her long-awaited breakthrough. With the home crowd behind her, Hull’s charge added emotional weight to the final round drama.

Rising Stars and Notable Performances

• Lottie Woad, the pre-tournament favourite and recent Scottish Open winner, finished tied for eighth in her major debut as a professional.

• World No. 1 Nelly Korda struggled, finishing T36 at +3.

• Paula Martin Sampedro, an amateur, tied for eighth—an inspiring performance that hints at a bright future.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 AIG Women’s Open wasn’t just a tournament—it was a statement. From Yamashita’s poised breakthrough to the celebration of equality through record prize money, and the serendipitous aces that lit up the leader board, Royal Porthcawl delivered a week of unforgettable golf.

As the sun sets on this year’s majors, one thing is clear: the future of women’s golf is not just bright—it’s blazing.