Miyu Yamashita Clinches First Major at 2025 AIG Women's Open

Miyu Yamashita, a 24-year-old golfer from Japan, secured her first major championship at the 2025 AIG Women's Open, held from July 31 to August 3 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales. Yamashita finished the tournament at 11-under par, achieving a two-stroke victory over England's Charley Hull and fellow Japanese golfer Minami Katsu.

Yamashita's performance was marked by consistency and resilience. She opened the tournament with a solid 4-under 68 in the first round. In the second round, she delivered an impressive 7-under 65, propelling her to the top of the leaderboard with a three-stroke lead over compatriot Rio Takeda. Despite challenging conditions in the third round, Yamashita carded a 2-over 74, maintaining her lead heading into the final day. In the decisive final round, she demonstrated composure under pressure, shooting a 2-under 70 to clinch the championship.

Charley Hull mounted a significant challenge during the final round, narrowing Yamashita's lead to one stroke at one point. However, bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes hindered her comeback, resulting in a tie for second place with Minami Katsu at 9-under par.

Yamashita's victory is historically significant, as she becomes the third Japanese player to win the AIG Women's Open, following Ayako Okamoto and Hinako Shibuno. This triumph marks her first major championship victory and her first win outside Japan.

Born on August 2, 2001, in Neyagawa, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, Yamashita began playing golf at the age of five. She turned professional in 2020 and has since achieved significant milestones, including 13 victories on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with five wins each in 2022 and 2023. Notably, in 2022, she became the first player to shoot a 60 in an LPGA of Japan event. Her major debut was at the 2022 AIG Women's Open, where she finished 13th, and she achieved a tie for second at the 2024 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Additionally, Yamashita represented Japan at the 2024 Olympics, finishing tied for fourth.

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, hosting the Women's British Open for the first time, presented a challenging links course. The tournament experienced varying weather conditions, with calmer mornings and windy afternoons, testing the players' adaptability.

Yamashita's victory earned her a winner's share of $1,462,500 from a total purse of $9,750,000. Additionally, she was recognized as a Rolex First-Time Winner on the LPGA Tour.

Yamashita's achievement serves as an inspiration for young golfers in Japan and globally, highlighting the potential for success on the international stage. Her win contributes to the growing prominence of women's golf, particularly in Asia, and may encourage increased participation and investment in the sport.

Reflecting on her victory, Yamashita said, "To be part of such a moment in history is something very, very special."

Yamashita's triumph at the 2025 AIG Women's Open not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies a growing prominence of Japanese golfers on the international stage. Her performance throughout the tournament showcased her resilience under pressure and strategic prowess, setting the stage for a promising future in professional golf.