Esther Henseleit’s name will now be etched into the AIG Women’s Open’s folklore after a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th green at Royal Troon sent the tournament into a playoff for the first time since 2018. The German’s nerveless stroke, struck under the weight of a major-championship Sunday, cancelled out a bogey and forced sudden death with overnight leader Minjee Lee. What followed was a dramatic finish that few could have predicted when the day began, with Henseleit’s putt standing as the defining moment of a rollercoaster final round.
A playoff is born
The AIG Women’s Open had already delivered drama before Henseleit’s putt. Minjee Lee had entered the day with a one-shot lead, but a nervy start saw her drop strokes early. A bogey at the second hole put her under immediate pressure, and though she recovered with birdies at the fifth and sixth, Henseleit was charging through the back nine. A 20-foot putt at the 14th had already hinted at the German’s composure, but it was the monstrous effort at the 18th that truly shifted the narrative. With Lee unable to convert her own birdie opportunity, Henseleit’s putt dropped, sending the championship into a playoff for the first time in the event’s history since 2018.
What comes next
The playoff will resume on Monday at 9:30am local time, with both players facing a fresh start on the same course. The format will be a sudden-death showdown, where the first to birdie a hole will claim the Claret Jug. For Lee, it’s a chance to salvage a major title after a shaky final round, while Henseleit will aim to become the first German winner of the Women’s Open. The pressure will be immense, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for either player.
Why this matters
This playoff is more than just a dramatic conclusion—it’s a statement about the depth of women’s golf right now. Both players have shown resilience under pressure, and their performances have highlighted the competitive edge of the modern tour. Henseleit’s putt, in particular, underscores the fine margins that separate champions from the rest. As the playoff looms, the golfing world will be watching closely to see who can seize the moment.
The AIG Women’s Open has delivered a final round to remember, with Henseleit’s putt serving as the catalyst for a playoff that will be replayed for years to come. Whether it’s Lee’s redemption or Henseleit’s breakthrough, one thing is certain: this is a tournament that will not be forgotten.
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