Seventeen Dreams Realized: Final Qualifying Sends Fresh Faces to the 2025 AIG Women’s Open… Read more…
By LPGA Global Report | July 29, 2025
On a cool and blustery Monday in South Wales, seventeen golfers secured the biggest opportunity of their careers—entry into one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s golf: the 2025 AIG Women’s Open. With Royal Porthcawl preparing to host the event, the final qualifying round at Ashburnham Golf Club served as the ultimate gateway for rising stars, seasoned veterans, and ambitious amateurs hoping to join the elite.
What unfolded over 18 tense holes was a blend of drama, grit, and raw emotion. For those who advanced, it was the realization of years of hard work. For those who fell short, it was a reminder of just how fine the margins in professional golf truly are.
Ashburnham Sets the Stage
Located on Wales’ rugged southwestern coast, Ashburnham Golf Club was no pushover. The links-style course—with its swirling coastal winds, deep pot bunkers, and lightning-quick greens—demanded precise ball-striking and mental resilience.
With 84 players teeing it up for just 17 spots, the pressure was palpable from the first drive to the final putt.
“This is arguably tougher than the Open itself,” said one player. “You’re not battling for money or leaderboard position—you’re fighting for access to the biggest stage in women’s golf.”
Top Qualifiers: Standouts and Surprise Stories
Among the most impressive performances was that of Anna Huang, a 16-year-old amateur from New Zealand who fired a sensational 68 to take medalist honors. The teenager, who’s been balancing high school with international junior events, showed nerves of steel and a short game well beyond her years.
“I’m still shaking,” Huang said moments after her round. “To even play in this qualifier was surreal. To win it? I’m speechless.”
Another standout was England’s Sophie Lamb, a former Curtis Cup player who has battled injuries in recent years. Her even-par 71 was enough to comfortably make the cut, marking her first appearance at a major since 2020.
“After everything I’ve been through, this feels like a second chance,” Lamb said. “I’ve been fighting to get back here, and it’s such a relief to finally do it.”
Other qualifiers included:
- Frida Gustafsson Spång (Sweden) – A consistent performer on the Ladies European Tour
- Daisy May Kenny (England) – Noted for her strong links game and tournament toughness
- Maddie Szeryk (Canada) – LPGA Tour member making her second Open start
- Maria Parra (Spain) – Veteran of the LET who has found recent form
The diversity of qualifiers—from continents and tours across the world—highlights the global appeal and competitive depth of women’s golf in 2025.
For Amateurs, A Career-Changing Moment
Five of the 17 qualifiers were amateurs, each relishing the opportunity to share a field with the game’s greats like Nelly Korda, Minjee Lee, and Grace Kim.
Among them was Ireland’s Kate Lanigan, a 21-year-old college golfer who credited her local club pro for inspiring her to pursue the Open dream.
“I’ve played Ashburnham a few times, but this was something else entirely,” Lanigan said. “To walk onto the range knowing a place in a major is on the line—it’s a rush I’ll never forget.”
The R&A has made a point in recent years of supporting amateur access to the Women’s Open, ensuring that talent—not name recognition—drives the field.
“Today’s results prove that the game is in great hands,” said R&A Director of Women’s Championships, Zoe Ridgway. “These players earned their way in. They belong.”
Famous Faces Fall Short
With only 17 spots available, heartbreak was inevitable. Among those who narrowly missed out was Bronte Law, the English star who made headlines earlier this year with her win at the Aramco Series in Singapore. A double-bogey on the final hole cost her a playoff spot.
Also failing to qualify were veteran Becky Morgan, former LPGA player Jaye Marie Green, and Scottish fan favorite Kelsey MacDonald.
“Golf’s a brutal game,” MacDonald said, holding back tears. “But I’ll be back. I love this sport too much to give up.”
What Qualifying Means
The AIG Women’s Open is more than just another major. It’s the ultimate test of creativity, shotmaking, and mental toughness on iconic links courses. For these 17 women, qualifying represents more than a chance to compete—it’s a ticket to validation, exposure, and possibly, transformation.
A strong showing could lead to:
- LPGA or LET sponsor invites
- Increased world ranking points
- Endorsement opportunities
- And, in some cases, life-changing money
For Anna Huang, simply teeing it up next to legends will be reward enough.
“I just want to learn and enjoy it,” she said. “I’ve got nothing to lose.”
Looking Ahead: Royal Porthcawl Awaits
With the final field now set, attention turns to Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, a storied links course that’s hosted everything from amateur championships to the Senior Open. This marks the first time the AIG Women’s Open is held there, promising a stern test and breathtaking visuals from the Welsh coast.
Tournament week begins Thursday, August 1, with final practice rounds already underway. The 17 qualifiers are scheduled for a practice session and media walkthrough on Wednesday.
Each of them now joins a field that includes every top-10 ranked player in the world, including defending champion Celine Boutier, Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, and Grace Kim, fresh off her Evian Championship win.
As the wind begins to whip across Royal Porthcawl’s dunes, one thing is clear: the 2025 AIG Women’s Open won’t just showcase champions—it will introduce new names destined to be remembered.
Tags: AIG Women’s Open 2025, Final Qualifying, Ashburnham Golf Club, Anna Huang, Sophie Lamb, LPGA News, Amateur Golf, Women’s Major Championship, Royal Porthcawl, Golf in Wales
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