Yamashita yet another Japan Major winner – Kyriacou leads Australasians
Miyu Yamashita – image Mark Runnacles LET
Japanese star, Miyu Yamashita, today won not only her first major title but her first LPGA Tour event with a two-shot victory over England’s Charley Hull and Japan’s Minami Katsu at the AIG Women’s Open Championship at Royal Porthcawl in Wales.
Japanese golfers have won two majors in 2025 to go with the two they won in 2024, highlighting that country’s growing presence in the Rolex Rankings.
Yamashita has been a prolific winner on the Japan LPGA Tour, but this is her rookie LPGA Tour season, and, in an impressive first season where she was already featuring as one of the leading rookies, she has elevated her standing in the game significantly.
She is now likely to move inside the top ten on the Rolex Rankings from her current 15th position as a result of her win today.
Yamashita was in or near the lead throughout the event after her opening round of 68 left her one behind her countrywoman Rio Takeda, but it was her second round of 65 that allowed her to take control of the event, and although she was challenged throughout the final 36 holes, she never let the lead slip.
“This has been a goal of mine, something I’ve worked towards my whole life, a dream you could say,” said the champion. “It’s been the result of hard work every single day, making changes, making improvements, and to be able to do it now and call myself a champion is a very special thing.”
Hull began the weekend a massive 11 shots behind Yamashita but finished just two from the winner, recording yet another runner-up finish in majors, her 4th such result.
Stephanie Kyriacou finished as the leading Australasian when she added a final round of 71 to share 8th place and earn a cheque for US$228,000, taking her earnings for the season to US$806,000.
“The 1st hole was quite rough,” said Kyriacou, referring to her triple bogey start. “It’s not ideal when you hit your second ball OB, onto the beach. I stuck in there, showed some grit, and finished 1-under today. I’m very happy.
“I think it would have been quite easy to throw it in and be like, oh, F this or whatever, but I got something out of my round. I got something out of my day. I’m really proud with how I showed up for the rest of the day.”
When asked to assess her performance in the majors this year, Kyriacou responded;
“I’d say the last two have definitely — I’ve definitely played golf how I’ve wanted to, which is nice. I think sometimes in majors I let it being a major added some pressure. Yeah, I think I’ve learned a lot in majors, which I’ll take into next year. I know it’s a long way away, but even to take into some tournaments in a couple weeks’ time.”
Minjee Lee finished 13th, Lydia Ko 36th and Grace Kim 67th.
