AIG WOMEN’S OPEN — August 2, 2026

Shiho Kuwaki captured her first major championship in dramatic fashion at the 2026 AIG Women’s Open, trusting her Piretti putter under pressure to claim the biggest victory of her career at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The 23-year-old from Japan entered Sunday three shots off the lead before closing with a composed final-round 70 to finish at 5 under par. After Esther Henseleit converted a 45-foot birdie on the 72nd hole to force a playoff, Kuwaki held her nerve through two extra holes to secure the championship.

Kuwaki’s victory was built on consistency throughout the week. She opened the championship with a 5-under 66, making six birdies against just one bogey, before adding a second-round 70 to remain one shot off the lead through 36 holes.

When the championship came down to its biggest moments, Kuwaki continued to trust her game — and her Piretti putter.

After scrambling for par on the first playoff hole to extend the championship, Kuwaki returned to the 18th for a second extra hole. Another composed par officially made her an AIG Women’s Open champion and gave Piretti Golf a victory on one of the biggest stages in professional golf.

The victory is Kuwaki’s first LPGA Tour title and first major championship, adding to an already impressive résumé in Japan. She entered the week as the No. 1 player on the LPGA of Japan Tour and had already won twice in Japan during the 2026 season.

For Piretti, the victory marks an unforgettable moment: a Piretti putter in the hands of a major champion.

Shiho Kuwaki. 2026 AIG Women’s Open Champion. Major Champion. Piretti.