A Host of Elite Golfers Descend on Wales for Historic AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl
A sense of excitement has gripped the golfing world as some of the planet’s finest players gather on Welsh soil for a spectacle unprecedented in the nation’s sporting history. The 2025 AIG Women’s Open, hailed as the largest female sporting event ever staged in Wales, is about to tee off at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, drawing global attention with an elite field and the promise of an iconic links test.
Among the competitors, world number one Nelly Korda stands out as one of the star attractions. Korda, universally recognised for her skill and composure, expressed her anticipation at the unique demands of the Porthcawl layout. “Each new week brings a novel course and different challenges,” she remarked during the Pro-Am event, while admiring the breath-taking views along the opening holes. The American was quick to highlight how the famously unpredictable coastal winds could transform the serene Welsh landscape into an unforgiving arena, shaping the character of the contest.
The 2025 edition of the championship also sees defending champion Lydia Ko aiming to secure back-to-back Major titles, adding a compelling narrative to the already star-studded tournament. Ko, who clinched victory at St Andrew’s last season, embarks on her Welsh debut with a spirit of curiosity, eager to absorb the local culture and embrace the idiosyncrasies of a region renowned for its sheep-dotted hills and consonant-rich language. Ko commented on the warmth of the Welsh reception, emphasising how such interactions enhance the player experience at these flagship events.
England’s Lottie Woad, fresh from a string of impressive performances, including a win at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and a commendable runner-up finish in the Evian Championship, has swiftly emerged as a bookmakers’ favourite. Woad’s familiarity with links golf, honed during her amateur days—she once held the Welsh Women’s Open Amateur title—could prove invaluable in negotiating the labyrinth of natural hazards and sightlines that Royal Porthcawl presents.
Woad underlined the strategic nuance required on this historic course, acknowledging that unpredictable weather and challenging tee shots would encourage players to adopt a cautious approach. “On these links, sometimes a par feels as good as a birdie,” she observed, referencing some of the course’s blind shots over gorges that test even the most seasoned professionals.
With the championship commencing on Thursday, anticipation among spectators and locals continues to build. This event marks the Women’s Open’s first appearance in Wales, offering golf fans a rare chance to witness the highest calibre of women’s golf amid the dramatic scenery of the south Wales coast. Tournament organisers have set ticket prices from £45, with free admission for under-16s accompanying paying adults—a nod to promoting the sport among young fans and families.
Ko’s reflections on her time in Wales so far highlight the striking cultural and meteorological parallels with her native New Zealand, including a shared appreciation for sheep and a fondness for warm community spirit. The defending champion also stated that the true essence of an Open Championship lies in its unpredictability: “As much as I cherish sunshine, the authenticity of this event comes from battling wind and rain—it’s all part of the challenge.”
Royal Porthcawl last hosted a major event during the Men’s Senior Open, an edition remembered for its fierce weather and tenacious crowds. Organisers and players alike hope for more temperate conditions this week but remain prepared for the possibility of the full links experience that has become a hallmark of Open championships.
The AIG Women’s Open runs from 30 July to 3 August 2025. Further information and tickets are available on the event’s official website, giving fans an opportunity to bear witness to a major sporting moment not just for Wales, but for women’s sport on a global scale.