Yamashita Conquers the Women’s Open, Hull Runner-up

Miyu Yamashita Crowned Champion at the Women’s Open Championship

Japanese golfer Miyu Yamashita won her first Grand Slam title on Sunday at the Women’s Open Championship, held in Porthcawl, Wales. Yamashita showed great mental strength by withstanding the pressure from Charley Hull, and secured the victory with a solid final round. Yamashita finished with a card of 70 strokes (-2), giving her a two-stroke lead over her competitors. Her performance included important par putts on the last nine holes, especially on the 16th, where Hull got within one stroke. In the 16th hole, a 401-yard par-4, Yamashita, who turned 24 on Saturday, hit an excellent drive and was close to holing out from 45 feet, giving him a three-stroke lead with two holes to play. Yamashita’s victory was sealed with a par on the last hole, and she celebrated by raising her arms. Visibly moved, Yamashita shed tears as she went to the scoring area.

“Being part of such a moment in history is something very, very special,” Yamashita commented through an interpreter during the trophy presentation ceremony.

Miyu Yamashita

Charley Hull, for her part, fought with determination. After starting the final round three strokes behind the leader, she achieved birdies in a series of four holes to get into the fight. However, a bogey on the 16th hole and another on the 17th relegated her to second place, tying with Minami Katsu, who also finished with an outstanding performance. A Lim Kim, champion of the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, temporarily tied with Yamashita on the second hole, but then made mistakes that took her out of the fight, finishing in fourth place along with Rio Takeda. The triumph of Yamashita continues the streak of success of Japanese golfers, who have won nine of the last women’s majors. This victory marks the second year in which two Japanese players are crowned champions of a major. Regarding the world ranking, a significant change is expected. Nelly Korda, who finished with a round of 75, could lose the first place to Jeeno Thitikul. Lottie Woad, after her victory at the Women’s Scottish Open, finished in eighth place. Woad has had an outstanding performance, with a win and a top 10 in her first two professional appearances.