Paju, Korea - Former national team star Minsol Kim delivered a masterclass in patience to capture the 40th Korea Women’s Open Golf Championship, surviving a brutal three-hour weather delay to claim her country’s most prestigious national title on Sunday.

The 20-year-old rising star carded a gritty final-round 70 at Lakewood Country Club to finish at four-under-par 280, pipping 18-year-old amateur prodigy Yunseo Yang by a single stroke to secure a life-changing breakthrough victory.

“The Korea Women’s Open has always meant so much to me, and I am incredibly grateful to get this win,” said Kim, who earned a jaw-dropping 400 million won winner’s cheque, a Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, and a coveted three-year KLPGA exemption. “I don’t even have my driver’s licence yet, but I can’t wait to drive this car.”

The high-stakes final round descended into chaos late in the afternoon when severe lightning halted play for nearly three hours, completely freezing the momentum of the field and leading to the disqualification of competitor Ahreum Han under Rule 5.7b.

Having sharpened her course management skills at the US Women’s Open the previous week, Kim relied on strict discipline to handle the tricky pin positions, confidently closing out the victory to earn high-profile exemptions into both the AIG Women’s Open and the Japan Women’s Open later this year.

Paju, Korea - Czech standout Filip Mruzek carded a flawless final-round four-under-par 65 to secure a dramatic one-stroke victory at the Interwetten Open at Schladming-Dachstein Golf Club on Sunday.

The 34-year-old safely rolled in a championship-clinching par on the par-five 18th to finish at 18-under par overall, successfully holding off a furious final-day charge from South African Louis Albertse, who applied late pressure with a spectacular closing eagle.

“It’s amazing, and all I feel right now is pure joy after a long seven-year journey playing on invites,” said an emotional Mruzek, who celebrated on the final green alongside his wife and dog. “I’ve been dreaming about this exact moment every single day, so to have my family here makes it perfect.”

The high-stakes final-round duel turned on the back nine when Mruzek fired three consecutive birdies from the 11th hole—including a monster 40-foot putt on the 13th—to build a decisive two-stroke cushion.

The monumental breakthrough completely transforms Mruzek’s season, vaulting him 58 places to eighth in the crucial Road to Mallorca rankings as the tour shifts to Worcestershire for next week’s highly anticipated English Open.

Paju, Korea - Icelandic rookie Hulda Gestsdottir displayed maturity well beyond her years on Sunday, weathering brutal wind and rain to capture her first professional title at the Raiffeisen Bank Czech Ladies Challenge.

The 24-year-old, featuring in just her fourth event since turning professional, carded a rock-solid, even-par 72 to finish even-par overall, successfully pipping Switzerland’s Natalie Armbruester by a single stroke.

“These are pretty Icelandic conditions out here, weather-wise,” said an ecstatic Gestsdottir, who capitalised on a razor-sharp putter to overcome the undulating layout. “I wasn’t really expecting it this soon, but it completely takes the pressure off for later events.”

The high-stakes battle turned on the back nine when Armbruester suffered consecutive dropped shots, allowing Gestsdottir to build a comfortable three-stroke cushion before calmly parring the 18th to avoid a playoff.

The historic breakthrough vaults Gestsdottir to third in the season-long LETAS Order of Merit, putting her firmly in contention for a coveted 2027 LET card as she heads to Prague to celebrate with her father.

Paju, Korea - Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho added yet another spectacular feather to his cap on Sunday, outlasting his childhood idol Bubba Watson in a thrilling final-round duel to capture the $2 million International Series Morocco.

The 25-year-old Asian Tour standout carded a brilliant final-round display at Red Course, carding only his third bogey of the entire week before rolling in a clutch birdie on the par-five 18th to finish at 19-under par overall.

“Playing neck-and-neck with Bubba for five hours today was a dream come true, and the child inside me was jumping up and down,” said an emotional Kho, who secured a lucrative $360,000 winner’s cheque to vault to second in the Order of Merit standings.

The high-stakes battle concluded dramatically on the final hole when Watson, a two-time Masters champion, pulled his second shot into an LED screen from the fairway, opening the door for the young star to deliver his clinical closing blow.

The breakthrough victory comfortably erases Kho’s agonizing playoff loss on the Japan Golf Tour last week, providing immense momentum before the Asian Tour takes a summer recess ahead of September’s Yeangder Taiwan Open.

Paju, Korea - Mercedes-Benz Korea has officially teamed up with the Korea Golf Association to launch a lucrative new era for the 40th Korea Women’s Open Golf Championship at Lakewood Country Club from June 11-14.

The luxury automotive brand has signed on as title sponsor through 2028, immediately boosting the total purse to a staggering 1.5 billion won, with a record-shattering 400 million won earmarked for the champion.

“It is a true honour for Mercedes-Benz to open this exciting new chapter for a tournament that has shaped the pride of Korean golf,” said Mathias Vaitl, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, who organised premium perks including an AIG Women’s Open exemption for the winner.

The high-stakes national championship will feature defending champion Dong Eun Lee alongside local brand ambassadors Hyun Kyung Park and Min Byeol Kim, whilst 2008 winner Jiyai Shin commands intense spotlight ahead of her historic 18-year return.

With the iconic venue featuring elite car displays and specialized spectator zones, passionate fans are already rushing to secure their general admission and exclusive VIP packages through the official online portal at UNITIX.

Paju, Korea - Englishman Tyrrell Hatton overcame mid-round stumbles to capture his first individual LIV Golf title since Nashville 2024, closing with a hard-fought one-under-par 70 at Real Club Valderrama.

The 37-year-old finished at 11-under par overall to secure a dramatic two-shot victory over his surging team captain Jon Rahm, who mounted a ferocious final-day charge with a tournament-best 67.

“I thought no matter how today went, I’m still going to be home tonight and I’ll walk into a crying newborn,” said Hatton, who celebrated becoming a father just two weeks prior.

The dominant individual performances from Hatton and Rahm allowed Legion XIII to successfully overturn an eight-shot overnight deficit, defending their team title by finishing six strokes clear of 4Aces GC.

The historic double-triumph vaults Legion XIII to second in the season standings, while Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann secured his coveted qualification spot for next month’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Paju, Korea - English veteran Matthew Southgate produced a final-round masterclass by firing a brilliant nine-under-par 62 to capture his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title at the Swiss Challenge.

The 37-year-old erased a one-shot overnight deficit at Golf Sempach with a staggering burst of six front-nine birdies, pulling completely away from a helpless chasing pack to finish at 23-under par.

“I played exactly how you would dream of playing,” said an emotional Southgate, who has over 300 top-tier appearances to his name. “I stuck to the plan, expected something to go wrong, and it didn’t.”

The commanding eight-shot triumph represents a massive career breakthrough for the journeyman, who successfully capitalised on the thick Lucerne rough to ruthlessly punish his nearest rivals.

The victory vaults Southgate from 94th to ninth in the crucial Road to Mallorca rankings as the tour prepares to cross the border for next week’s Interwetten Open in Austria.

Paju, Korea - France’s Lauren Holmey overcame a daunting four-shot deficit to capture her second LET Access Series title with a dramatic one-stroke victory at the Arkea Montauban Ladies Open on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Parisian fired a brilliant four-under-par 68 to finish at six-under overall, sealing an emotional home triumph after a grueling 18-month battle with chronic exhaustion that nearly derailed her career.

“We work really hard to hopefully get a day like today, and having this family support system on the bag means everything to me,” said Holmey, who tearfully watched a French flag skydive ceremony before celebrating with her parents.

Holmey ignited her comeback with a historic burst of five consecutive birdies before enduring a tense one-hour wait in the clubhouse, ultimately pipping Australia’s Kristalle Blum when the final challengers stumbled on the 18th hole.

The life-changing victory vaults a healthy Holmey to the top of the Order of Merit standings as she prepares for a six-hour celebratory drive back to Paris to prepare for upcoming European stops.

Paju, Korea - Swedish standout Charlie Lindh fired a tournament-best 64 to clinch his maiden Asian Tour title at the $500,000 am green IGPL Bharath Classic in Morocco on Sunday.

The 28-year-old erased a three-shot deficit with a spectacular closing eagle to finish at 18-under par, capitalising as overnight leader Settee Prakongvech faltered early in the final round.

“It feels good... I have been very excited to play golf the last couple of months because the game has been feeling better,” said Lindh, who won with childhood friend Isac Bondesson on his bag.

Lindh arrived in Morocco following a runner-up finish at the Kolon Korea Open, hailing from a tiny Swedish village of less than 600 people to reach third on the Order of Merit.

The $90,000 winner’s cheque provides massive momentum for Lindh as the tour moves 180 kilometres north to Rabat for next week’s lucrative $2 million International Series Morocco event.

Paju, Korea - Danish golfer Christoffer Bring capitalised on pristine morning conditions to card a brilliant seven-under-par 64, seizing a dramatic one-shot lead after the opening round of the Swiss Challenge.

The 27-year-old, flying under the radar on the Road to Mallorca, fired two late birdies at Golf Sempach before blustery winds and looming rain disrupted the afternoon wave.

“Golf has been a bit tough this year, so I’ve been trying not to think too much about it,” said Bring, who effortlessly hit greens to distance himself from a four-way tie for second.

The former DP World Tour player is desperately hunting a career revival in Lucerne, having struggled for form recently after losing his card and failing to make a cut this season.

With global contenders Haydn Barron and George Bloor sitting just one shot back, Bring must maintain his relaxed mindset when he tees off for Friday’s second round at 12.50pm.

Paju, Korea - A dream that began in qualifying ended with one of the most remarkable victories in Korean golf history as Jiho Yang captured the Kolon 68th Korea Open Golf Championship at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan on Sunday.

The 37-year-old completed a wire-to-wire triumph in the Korea Golf Association’s national championship, posting a winning total of nine-under-par 275. Yang led from the opening round and never surrendered top spot, becoming the 14th player to win the Korea Open in wire-to-wire fashion and the first since Seungsu Han in 2023.

What made the victory even more significant was the path Yang took to the title. After advancing through qualifying, he became the first player in the 68-year history of the Korea Open to win the championship after coming through the preliminary stages.

Yang was one of 33 players to reach the championship through final qualifying and had only secured his place in the field after finishing 18th among the qualifiers. Once the tournament began, however, he produced four days of composed golf to claim the biggest victory of his career and deliver a result that embodied the Korea Open’s founding principle of providing opportunities for all players.

The victory earned Yang the national title for the first time, along with prize money of ₩500 million and an additional bonus of ₩200 million, bringing his total earnings for the week to ₩700 million. He also secured a place in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July, a five-year exemption on the KPGA Tour and a two-year Asian Tour exemption.

“I tried to believe in myself and I think I had a lot of luck on my side,” Yang said. “I never imagined I could win on a stage as big as the Korea Open. It still doesn’t feel real.

“I’m so grateful to my wife and our baby who will be born soon. I feel proud that I was able to repay my family for all their support. I want to continue showing my appreciation to everyone who has encouraged me.”

The Korea Open’s qualifying system once again highlighted the championship’s commitment to its identity as a true open tournament. This year, 500 players entered the first stage of qualifying, with 146 advancing to final qualifying in pursuit of places in the championship field.

Yang’s victory stands as the clearest example yet of that philosophy, proving that a player can progress from qualifying and lift one of the most prestigious trophies in Korean golf.

Meanwhile, Korea Golf Association ranking No. 2 Minsoo Kim, a member of the national team, finished tied for eighth on four-under-par 284 and claimed low amateur honours for the second consecutive year. The high-school senior produced the lowest round of the day on Sunday with a four-under-par 67, further strengthening his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Korean golf.

The Korea Open is one of the Korea Golf Association’s eight national championships. Woo Jeong Hills Country Club, the long-time host venue, remains one of the association’s key member clubs and a major supporter of golf development in Korea.

Paju, Korea - The Korea Golf Association (KGA) has submitted its final list of golf candidates to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee for the 2026 Asian Games, with three men and three women selected ahead of the event in Japan this September.

The KGA announced on May 29 that the final nominees were chosen based on professional world rankings and the KGA amateur rankings. The men’s candidates are S.H. Kim, Tom Kim and Do Yeob Mun, while the women’s candidates are Seojin Park, Gyubin Kim and Yunseo Yang.

All three men earned selection through the Official World Golf Ranking. S.H. Kim is ranked 143rd, Tom Kim 144th and Do Yeob Mun 203rd in the world.

The women’s selections are all members of South Korea’s national amateur programme and secured their places through the KGA rankings. Seojin Park is ranked No. 1, Gyubin Kim No. 2 and Yunseo Yang No. 3.

The KGA Performance Enhancement Committee unanimously adopted the selection process in August last year. The first priority was given to Korean players ranked among the nation’s top 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking and Rolex Rankings. Any remaining places were filled through the KGA rankings.

Performance Enhancement Committee chairman Jang Se-hoon said: “The committee met on May 27 to approve the final candidate list and submit it to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. We will prepare thoroughly so the players can achieve the best possible results.”

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4 across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya. Athletes from 46 Asian nations will compete in 43 sports and 461 medal events.

Golf competition is scheduled for September 30 to October 3 at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course in Aichi Prefecture. The tournament will be contested over 72 holes of stroke play, with four gold medals available in the men’s and women’s individual and team competitions.

South Korea’s golfers have won 14 Asian Games gold medals, including six in the men’s events and eight in the women’s competitions. The nation’s most recent title came in the men’s team event at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where Si Woo Kim, Sungjae Im, Yu Bin Jang and Woo Young Cho captured gold.

Paju, Korea - Kota Kaneko captured his first DP World Tour title with a two-shot victory at the 2026 Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbühel Tirol after a closing three-under-par 67 secured an 18-under total at Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith in Austria.

The 23-year-old arrived fresh from a runner-up finish at the Soudal Open and backed it up with the biggest win of his career, becoming the ninth Japanese player to win on the DP World Tour. Ricardo Gouveia and Davis Bryant shared second place on 16 under.

“I just can’t believe it, I didn’t think I would win and I’m still very surprised,” Kaneko said after sealing the breakthrough triumph.

The final round developed into a tense battle as Gouveia, Bryant, Max Steinlechner and Bernd Wiesberger all threatened the lead. Kaneko responded with birdies at the 12th and 13th before producing one of the decisive moments of the day at the par-three 16th, where he holed a chip shot to regain sole possession of first place. He then parred his way home despite a nervy finish after finding trouble near the 18th green.

Kaneko admitted fortune played a role at key moments but believes he handled the challenges well. “On the 16th I was just trying to make par. I knew I hit it hard, but it went in, so I was lucky but sometimes you need things to go your way out there,” he said. Looking ahead, he added: “I’d like to thank all the fans this week; they’ve been a big support to help me win this tournament. I want to push on now and get a second win this season. I hope I can continue to play well.”

Paju, Korea - Joaquín Niemann claimed his eighth LIV Golf individual title after defeating Talor Gooch in a playoff at LIV Golf Korea on Sunday at Asiad Country Club in Busan, while Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC successfully defended their Korea team crown and secured a record 10th regular-season team victory.

Niemann and Gooch finished regulation play tied at 12-under-par after a day-long duel. The Chilean moved ahead with four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the front nine before Gooch responded with a 28-foot birdie putt at the 16th to draw level. On the first extra hole, Niemann struck his approach from 150 yards to within six feet and converted the winning birdie.

“It was fun out there,” Niemann said. “I really enjoy the feeling of winning again.” Reflecting on the decisive moments, he added: “I feel like every hole was kind of like a match play.”

While Niemann celebrated his first victory of the 2026 season, Crushers GC produced another commanding team performance. DeChambeau, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri and reserve player Travis Smyth combined for a 23-under total, finishing three shots clear of Gooch’s OKGC. The victory moved Crushers GC ahead of all rivals with 10 regular-season team wins.

Smyth played a pivotal role after stepping in for the injured Paul Casey, finishing tied for eighth. “I’m over the moon. I’m super proud of myself, super proud of these guys, and couldn’t have asked for a better first week,” Smyth said. DeChambeau, who finished third individually at 11 under, praised his team’s collective effort, saying: “We all click in different ways, but we all work to make our team the best out here.”

The inaugural LIV Golf event in Busan also delivered a strong home-country storyline through Younghan Song, who posted a six-under performance and embraced the support of Korean fans. “Playing as a member of Korean Golf Club brought with it a real sense of responsibility and pressure, but thanks to the incredible support from all the fans, I was able to enjoy every round and play with a smile on my face,” Song said.

Players throughout the field praised both the challenge of Asiad Country Club and the enthusiasm of Korean spectators. Niemann described the week as “a lot of fun”, while DeChambeau said: “Koreans love their golf.” Dustin Johnson added: “The crowds are great. A lot of fans, a lot of people out, a lot of support.” Their appreciation underscored a memorable week as LIV Golf’s debut in Busan concluded with a playoff finish and another chapter in Niemann’s growing legacy.

Paju, Korea - Song Min-hyuk claimed his first professional victory at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open on Sunday, beating Cho Min-gyu in a playoff at Namseoul Country Club in Seongnam.

The 21-year-old former Korean national team player closed with a one-under 70 in the final round to finish on 11-under 273, level with Cho after 72 holes.

Song sealed the title on the first playoff hole, the par-four 18th, where he made par as Cho dropped a shot. The victory earned Song 300 million won, a five-year KPGA Tour exemption and a two-year Asian Tour card.

“I played a lot in contention last year,” Song said. “I thought I could compete for wins. I desperately wanted to win, but I believed that if I had the strength to get back up even after falling, I could become a player who wins many more times. I’m really happy that a good chance came sooner than I expected.”

Song said Namseoul had long held good memories for him and that winning in front of large galleries made the moment even sweeter.

“I had good memories of this course since I was young, so winning was my goal,” he said. “I wanted my first win to come at a tournament with a lot of spectators. I thought I would cry if I won, but I didn’t. I was so happy that I smiled first.”

Song, a national team member from 2021 to 2023, now has larger ambitions for the season.

“I plan to challenge the Korn Ferry Tour this year,” he said. “If I win the Genesis Grand Prize, I can skip the first stage and go straight to the final. Since my first win came earlier than expected, I want to challenge for three wins this season.”

Cho, runner-up in 2011, 2020 and 2022, again had to settle for second place.

National team player Kim Min-soo was the leading amateur, finishing tied for 14th on four-under 280. Fellow national team player Son Je-i, who also made the cut, finished 68th.

Paju, Korea - adidas has been named Official Footwear Supplier of the 2026 European Solheim Cup Team and Event Supporter for the matches at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 7-13.

The agreement will see adidas provide footwear for Team Europe’s captains, players, caddies and helpers, along with tournament staff, as the brand strengthens its growing presence in women’s golf.

A limited-edition women’s shoe created specifically for the Solheim Cup will be worn throughout the event and sold exclusively onsite. The collection will feature white designs with adidas’ signature three stripes alongside blue and yellow detailing inspired by Team Europe colours.

The same footwear will also be worn by the European PING Junior Solheim Cup team during the under-18 event staged at Bernardus Golf ahead of the main competition.

“The iconic adidas brand is world renowned for its leading sports products and I am confident that the footwear will be well received by the players, for its comfort, style and versatility,” said European Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist.

European Solheim Cup player Linn Grant, who is an adidas athlete, welcomed the partnership and said she was proud to see the company continue investing in the women’s game.

“I love competing in adidas shoes week in, week out on Tour, and I’m beyond excited that the iconic 3-stripes will be represented at the Solheim Cup this year,” Grant said.

The announcement adds adidas to an expanding list of commercial partners connected to the 2026 Solheim Cup, alongside brands including PING, Skyscanner, Rolex and John Deere.

Chris Hedderman, marketing and product director for Europe at adidas Golf, said the partnership reflected the company’s commitment to women’s golf.

“We are incredibly proud to become the Official Footwear Supplier of the 2026 Solheim Cup and to be supporting some of the world’s best players,” he said.

The 2026 Solheim Cup will take place at Bernardus Golf.

Paju, Korea - The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has announced that Claire Dowling will become Captain for 2026/27, making history as the first woman to hold the role.

Dowling, who was nominated by the Club’s Past Captains, will officially begin her year in office following the traditional Driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course on September 25, 2026.

A distinguished amateur golfer from Dublin, Dowling represented Great Britain and Ireland in four Curtis Cups and was part of the 1986 side that secured a landmark 13-5 victory over the United States at Prairie Dunes.

Dowling enjoyed an outstanding amateur career, winning five Irish Championships as well as the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1986 and the Spanish Amateur Championship in 1987.

She also represented Ireland in the Home Internationals from 1979 to 1992, competed in six European Team Championships and played twice in the Espirito Santo Trophy and six times in the Vagliano Trophy.

Following her playing career, Dowling remained deeply involved in the game through leadership and administration roles, including captaining the GB&I Curtis Cup team in 2000 and serving on several influential committees in amateur golf.

Dowling became one of the first women admitted to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 2015 and later served on the Rules Committee, General Committee and Membership Committee.

She has also refereed at The Open seven times, including at Royal St George’s in 2021 when she and her husband Peter became the first married couple to officiate together at the championship.

Dowling, an honorary life member of the Irish Ladies’ Golf Union, lives in Devon with Peter and currently plays to a Handicap Index of 7.6.

Paju, Korea - Chris Wood says he is in a far better place mentally and emotionally as he prepares to begin his 2026 HotelPlanner Tour season at the Italian Challenge Open in Viterbo.

The former Ryder Cup player and BMW PGA Championship winner tees it up at Golf Nazionale this week after earning promotion to the Road to Mallorca through the MENA Tour Order of Merit, having won three times in six starts.

“I only entered because I needed somewhere to play and wanted to play which is a big difference from the last few years of actually not wanting to play to a degree,” said Wood.

The Englishman admitted the opportunity provided by the MENA Tour helped reignite both his enjoyment of the game and belief in his ability to compete again at a high level.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I played six events and won three, but I just enjoyed the overall feel of the Tour.

“I won the order of merit early and knew that I could plan for the rest of the year, so for me it was amazing. I’m proud of myself for going down to play but also grateful to the Tour for the work they put in to create the pathway.”

Wood narrowly missed out on a DP World Tour return at Final Stage Q-School last year, falling short by a single shot, but said recent victories proved he still possesses the mindset needed to win tournaments.

“I don’t think you ever lose that winning feeling, or that want to win,” he said. “It’s very nice to win events at whatever level. You can gain confidence from that.

“I felt at times that my mind got me over the line in those wins more so than my actual game, so I was proud of myself for winning that way as well.”

The Italian Challenge Open marks the start of a long European stretch on the HotelPlanner Tour schedule, with ten consecutive events following the early-season swing through South Africa and India.

Now fully committed to a complete campaign, the 38-year-old hopes to contend for one of the 15 DP World Tour cards available at the Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&A.

“I’ve not played a full season on the HotelPlanner Tour before,” Wood said. “Hopefully I can plan a full season ahead of me now. I’m fully committed.

“Everyone wants a DP World Tour card but for me it’s about proving to myself that the practice I’m doing at home, the mental work I’ve been doing, I can do in tournament environments now.”

Wood also welcomed a return to Italy, where he has previously enjoyed strong results during his DP World Tour career.

“I feel like I’m in a much better place to come out on tour than I was a few years ago,” he said. “I enjoy playing in Italy. I’ve had some nice success in a few Italian Opens over the years.”

Wood is part of a strong field that includes Road to Mallorca Number Two Will Enefer, SDC Open champion MJ Viljoen and DP World Tour winner Tom Lewis.

The Englishman begins his opening round at 1.25pm local time on Thursday alongside Italy’s Lorenzo Scalise and Sweden’s Adam Wallin.

Paju, Korea - The AIG Women’s Open will mark its 50th anniversary at Royal Lytham & St Annes this summer with a US$10 million prize fund and expanded live broadcast coverage.

The championship, staged from July 29 to August 2, will feature a sixth consecutive prize-fund increase as The R&A and AIG continue to raise the profile of women’s golf.

“This is the sixth consecutive year that the AIG Women’s Open prize fund has been increased,” said Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A.

The championship began in 1976, when Jenny Lee Smith won the inaugural title from a total prize fund of £500. Georgia Hall won at Royal Lytham in 2018, when the purse was US$3.25 million.

Coverage will rise to 34 live hours across four days, including early windows for the first two rounds, with live broadcasts in the UK, US, South Korea, Japan and Scandinavia.

Peter Zaffino, chairman and chief executive of AIG, said the championship reflects AIG’s commitment to advancing women in business, sports and society.

Darbon said the expanded coverage, a 20 per cent increase on 2025, gives fans unprecedented access to the world’s best players and sets a new benchmark for women’s golf.

Tickets are available at aigwomensopen.com, with children under 16 admitted free with a paying adult and half-price youth tickets for ages 16 to 24.

Paju, Korea - Casandra Alexander will target a long-awaited home victory at the Investec SA Women’s Open after a narrow playoff defeat at the Joburg Ladies Open extended her run of near misses this season.

The World No 40 arrives at Royal Cape Golf Club buoyed by a closing 66 that forced a playoff at Randpark, where she ultimately fell on the first extra hole despite a round featuring two eagles.

“It’s always a special week,” Alexander said. “In my eyes coming from Joburg, the Joburg Ladies Open is just as cool, but the SA Open is the big one. It’s your home title and it’s the one everyone wants to win, whether you’re male or female. It’s definitely a special week.”

The runner-up finish marked her third second place on the Ladies European Tour this season, alongside another on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, underlining both her consistency and frustration in equal measure.

“I actually got a Facebook reminder reminding me that I won the Sunshine Ladies Tour Order of Merit a year ago today,” she said. “So it’s pretty cool to see that this time last year I was top-100, and now we’re top-40. Hopefully we can keep going.”

Alexander, the highest-ranked player in the field, expects low scoring in Cape Town but warned of the challenge should conditions shift.

“It’s a good golf course,” she said. “I’ve been playing it since we were young… if the wind gets going it can get tough. It is very soft so I think the scores will be low this week. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”