Staff WriterIn a dramatic day of links golf that featured birdies, bunkers, and a 4 am alarm call, seventeen players have earned their place in the Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl, the final major of the year, after surviving Final Qualifying at Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club in Wales.
Out of 107 hopefuls chasing glory and a spot in one of the game’s grandest showcases, just 17 players finished under par to secure their entry into the 2025 AIG Women’s Open—set to take place this week, from July 31 to August 3, on the wild and windswept coast at Royal Porthcawl.
Leading the pack? A 16-year-old rookie professional from Canada who clearly didn’t get the memo about easing into major championship golf.
“I’m delighted with my score,” said Anna Huang, who tore up the front nine with a jaw-dropping six-under-par 30 en route to a four-under 67. “I don’t play links golf so it took a couple of practice rounds to get used to it but I think I handled it pretty well.”
Huang, making her second major appearance after the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this year, looked as comfortable on the rugged links as a sheepdog in a pasture.
Joining her on the train to Royal Porthcawl is Ireland’s Anna Foster, who practically beat the sun out of bed and was rewarded for her trouble. The 6.45 am tee time paid off, as she posted a crisp 68 to seal her spot.
“The 4 am alarm this morning was definitely something else!” she admitted. “But once I saw the draw, I was really pleased that I was out first, with the fresh greens and the calmer conditions.”
Another 68 came from Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, while a flurry of two-under 69s arrived later in the day under brisker breezes, including efforts from Hira Naveed, Soo Bin Joo, Morgane Metraux, and Alessandra Fanali.
But if anyone had the emotional edge, it was Lydia Hall—local favourite, former Royal Porthcawl member, and now a home-soil qualifier for the Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl.
“Obviously being the kind of local girl brings that expectation and pressure to perform, so I’m happy that I managed to do that,” said Hall. “Royal Porthcawl was my home course for seven years… It’s a dream to make it in.”
Hall will be joined by fellow Welshwoman Darcey Harry, adding a sense of patriotic spice to this year’s championship. They’re part of a ten-strong group who posted one-under, including Swedish amateur Meja Ortengren, whose name we may all be trying to pronounce correctly come Sunday.
“Getting the opportunity to play in a major is huge and I’m now very excited for this week,” said Ortengren. “It’s my first time in Wales and I’ve always wanted to play in a major.”
She wasn’t the only one navigating nerves and narrow fairways. Germany’s Aline Krauter, who lifted the Women’s Amateur Championship in 2020, also made it through, along with a strong international cast of emerging talent.
⛳ Full List of 2025 Qualifiers
| Player | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Huang | Canada | -4 |
| Anna Foster | Ireland | -3 |
| Arpichaya Yubol | Thailand | -3 |
| Hira Naveed | Australia | -2 |
| Soo Bin Joo | Republic of Korea | -2 |
| Morgane Metraux | Switzerland | -2 |
| Alessandro Fanali | Italy | -2 |
| Brianna Do | USA | -1 |
| Olivia Cowan | Germany | -1 |
| Lydia Hall | Wales | -1 |
| Pei-yun Chien | Chinese Taipei | -1 |
| Momoka Kobori | New Zealand | -1 |
| Aline Krauter | Germany | -1 |
| Laura Fuenfstueck | Germany | -1 |
| Meja Ortengren (a) | Sweden | -1 |
| Marta Martin | Spain | -1 |
| Linnea Strom | Sweden | -1 |
(a) indicates amateur status.
For these 17 players, the Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl is no longer a distant dream—it’s their next tee time. And with the eyes of the golfing world fixed firmly on Wales this week, they’ll be looking to make more than just the field—they’ll be aiming to make history.
The 2025 AIG Women’s Open marks the tournament’s first visit to Wales, promising a coastal test unlike any other.
For tickets, coverage, and more, head to www.aigwomensopen.com.
