In a dramatic finish at the Women's Open, Esther Henseleit of Germany sank a long-range birdie putt on the 18th hole to card a final round of 70 and finish at five under par, forcing a playoff with Japan's Shiho Kuwaki.
The putt, estimated at over 30 feet, was one of the longest of the day and brought the crowd to its feet as Henseleit celebrated with a fist pump. She had started the final round several shots behind but surged up the leaderboard with a steady round.
Kuwaki, who had held the lead for much of the back nine, parred the 18th to finish with a 71, setting up the sudden-death playoff. The playoff began on the 18th hole, where both players had opportunities to win.
This is the first Women's Open playoff since 2018, and the first for both players. The winner will take home a record purse of $1.2 million.
