**Historic Women’s Golf Tournament to Bring Global Spotlight to Porthcawl**
Wales is preparing to welcome the largest women’s sporting event in its history, as the AIG Women’s Open is set to take place later this month at the renowned Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. Scheduled from 30 July to 3 August, this championship will see the world’s top golfers coming together on the Welsh coast for the fifth and final major of the women’s golfing calendar.
The Royal Porthcawl course, nestled in Rest Bay, is no stranger to high-profile competitions, having previously staged prestigious events such as The Amateur Championship on seven occasions, along with the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup, and The Senior Open. Its reputation for stunning sea views is matched only by the sporting challenges posed by its windswept landscape—a factor that will add extra drama as players battle for the title.
A key date for hopeful competitors is set on 28 July, when the nearby Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club in Bridgend will host the final qualifying round. Here, after an intense 18 holes, at least three players will secure their coveted place in the championship line-up, spurring local and international interest.
Royal Porthcawl has long been a fixture of golfing legend. Notably, during the renowned 1995 Walker Cup, future global superstar Tiger Woods struggled with the course’s formidable winds, famously hitting out of bounds three times in one match. These moments have helped cement the club’s status in the world of professional golf history.
Among the Welsh contingent is Darcey Harry, a 22-year-old golfer from Dinas Powys who will be competing at her home club. Harry’s recent victory at the Hulencourt Women’s Open in Belgium, part of the Ladies European Tour, has not only boosted her confidence but also heightened local anticipation for her performance. Reflecting on her recent success, Harry shared her excitement and nervousness at clinching her maiden tour title.
Defending champion Lydia Ko will also be in the line-up, returning after her dramatic win on the hallowed ‘Old Course’ at St Andrews. Ko’s accolades include Olympic gold and multiple championship victories, underscoring the calibre of competition expected at this year’s event.
The Women’s Open is one of the sport’s premier global tournaments, ranking alongside the Chevron Championship, the US Women’s Open, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and the Amundi Evian Championship. With 18 holes played across four successive days, the field will be competing for a share of the eye-watering $9.5 million prize fund. The champion will be determined by the lowest cumulative score over 72 holes, promising high tension and drama for competitors and spectators alike.
Beyond the fairways, the significance of the tournament for women’s sport across Wales is being recognised. In an announcement alongside the event, the Welsh Government committed £1 million to the development of women’s golf, pledging to invest in lasting improvements and grassroots opportunities across the country.
Chief Executive of Wales Golf, Hannah McAllister, emphasised the long-term ambitions linked with the event: “With support from the Welsh Government, we’re aiming to enhance facilities and expand the game for women and girls. Our shared goal is for the AIG Women’s Open to leave a lasting legacy, much like the Ryder Cup did in 2010.”
The hosting of the Women’s Open in Porthcawl not only highlights Wales as a destination for international sports but also serves as a powerful catalyst for the future of women’s sport in the region. The event promises not just world-class golf, but also the opportunity to inspire a new generation of players.
Local residents and visitors alike are encouraged to experience the excitement in person or follow live coverage, as this historic championship shapes an enduring chapter in Welsh sporting history. With world-class talent, record-breaking prize money, and a focus on legacy, the 2025 AIG Women’s Open is poised to make a significant impact both on and off the course.