Miyu Yamashita Crowned Champion at the Women’s Open Championship
Japanese golfer Miyu Yamashita won her first Grand Slam title this Sunday, after withstanding the pressure from Charley Hull at the Women’s Open Championship held in Porthcawl, Wales.
Yamashita signed a card of 70 strokes (-2) to secure the victory with a two-stroke lead. Her performance included two important par putts in the second half of the course, especially crucial when Hull got within one stroke of the leader.
The 16th hole, at 401 yards, presented a significant challenge. Yamashita, celebrating his 24th birthday on Saturday, executed a precise drive and reached the green, grazing a 45-foot putt that came close to going in. This gave him a three-stroke lead with only two holes to play.
The triumph was sealed with a par putt, finishing with a total of 11 under par (277 strokes). Visibly emotional, Yamashita celebrated by raising her arms.
Being part of such a historic moment is something very special.
Charley Hull, for her part, fought with determination. After starting the final round three strokes behind the leader, she managed birdies on four consecutive holes to stay in the competition, coming within a single stroke of Yamashita after sinking a 20-foot birdie on the 14th hole.
On the 13th hole, Yamashita had problems, but managed a crucial putt for par. Hull’s pressure remained, but a mistake on the 16th hole, which led her to a bunker, prevented her from reaching the green. Hull finished with a bogey on the 16th and another on the 17th, which cost her the victory. She concluded the day with 69 strokes, securing second place for the fourth time in a major.
Minami Katsu also tied for second place, while A Lim Kim, the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open champion, had a round with ups and downs, finishing in fourth place.
This victory marks a milestone for Japanese women’s golf, with four Japanese players winning nine recent majors. The first time there have been two Japanese champions in the same year.
Furthermore, this triumph represents Yamashita’s first victory on the LPGA Tour, extending a streak without multiple winners in the first 20 tournaments of the year.
Regarding the world ranking, Nelly Korda, who finished with 75 strokes, could lose her number one position, being surpassed by Jeeno Thitikul.
Lottie Woad, after her professional debut, finished in eighth place. In her recent events, Woad has achieved a victory and a top 10.
