AIG Women's Open 2025: Why Royal Porthcawl Will Create Golf History This Week
- Ellie Wakefield
- Jul 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 6
As the morning mist rolls off the Welsh coast this week, something magical is happening at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. For the first time in its 148-year history, this stunning links course will host the AIG Women's Open, a prestigious event on both the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour. From July 30-August 3, 2025, the world's best female golfers will battle not just each other, but the elements themselves on one of the most breathtaking yet challenging courses in the UK. Every hole offers a view of the sea, and every shot will be shaped by the ever-changing Welsh winds, reminiscent of the challenges faced at Royal Portrush during previous major championships.
A Historic Moment for Women's Golf
This isn't just another tournament – it's a watershed moment. The AIG Women's Open has never been held in Wales, making this week a genuine piece of golfing history. With a record-breaking £8.5 million prize fund, the stakes have never been higher, and the stage has never been more dramatic. Royal Porthcawl isn't just hosting; it's ready to test every aspect of the players' games. The course that has challenged amateurs in seven Amateur Championships and hosted the Walker Cup is now ready for its biggest test yet, joining the ranks of prestigious venues on the European Tour calendar.
The Course That Will Define Champions
What makes Royal Porthcawl so special? Imagine playing golf where the Atlantic Ocean is your constant companion, where firm fairways demand precision, and where deep pot bunkers punish the slightest miscalculation. This is links golf at its purest, rivaling the challenges presented by Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The course sits just 20 miles west of Cardiff, perched on the Welsh coast like a natural amphitheater. Previous champions from The Senior Open (2014, 2017, 2023) have described it as "golf as it was meant to be played" – raw, natural, and utterly unforgiving.
Holes That Will Decide the Championship
The 7th - "Maiden":
This par-3 plays directly toward the sea, and is the shortest hole on the course. When the wind picks up, even the world's best will struggle to find the green. Miss it, and you're looking at bogey or worse.
The 14th - "Lighthouse":
Named for the lighthouse that guides ships safely to shore, this hole demands the same precision from golfers. The name of the hole is the subject of some dispute, however, what is not in question are the deep bunkers. Out-of-bounds lurks left, and the green is smaller than it appears. With the normal cross wind on this hole, any wayward struck shot is trapped.
The 18th:
With the wind off of the sea, this has to be one of the finest finishing holes in golf with the clubhouse as a backdrop. This is where dreams are made or broken, where final-round drama unfolds with thousands watching. Look out for the second shot which is played to a green running from front to back with magnificent rolls and undulations that require careful putting.
The Players Who Could Make History
Lottie Woad: The Home Hope
All eyes will be on Britain's rising star, Lottie Woad. The young golfer has been generating serious buzz on the Ladies European Tour, and playing on home soil could be the catalyst for her breakthrough moment. The Welsh crowds are already rallying behind her, and that support could prove invaluable in the pressure moments.
Lydia Ko: The Defending Champion
Lydia Ko arrives at Royal Porthcawl with the confidence of a defending champion and the experience of someone who knows how to win majors. Her precise iron play and mental toughness make her perfectly suited to links golf. Can she become the first player to successfully defend the AIG Women's Open since 2017?
Nelly Korda: The World Number One
Currently sitting atop the World Golf Rankings, Nelly Korda brings exceptional form into this final major of 2025. Her power game, typically an advantage, will need to be tempered by the strategic demands of Royal Porthcawl. If she can adapt her game to the conditions, she'll be hard to beat.
Charley Hull: The Local Favourite
Another British hopeful, Charley Hull, knows how to handle links conditions and passionate home support. Her aggressive style could either lead to spectacular success or costly mistakes on this unforgiving course.
Minjee Lee: The Australian Contender
Fresh off her impressive performance at the Amundi Evian Championship, Minjee Lee enters the AIG Women's Open as a strong contender. Her consistent play and major championship experience make her a formidable threat on the challenging Royal Porthcawl layout.
What Makes This Week So Special?
The timing couldn't be more perfect. July in Wales offers some of the most beautiful weather of the year, but also some of the most unpredictable. Players will need to be ready for everything from brilliant sunshine to sudden showers, from gentle breezes to howling gales.
The tournament schedule reflects the magnitude of the occasion:
Wednesday, July 30: Pro-Am and final practice rounds
Thursday, July 31: First round begins
Friday, August 1: Cut day drama
Saturday, August 2: Moving day
Sunday, August 3: Championship Sunday
How to Experience the Magic
Getting There and Getting In
Tickets start from just £25 for adults, with children entering free – making this one of the most accessible majors in golf. The value is extraordinary when you consider you're watching the world's best players compete for over £8 million in prize money.
Travel Tips:
By car: M4 to Junction 37, then A4229 to Porthcawl
By train: Cardiff Central to Bridgend (30 minutes), then local transport
From London: Direct trains to Cardiff take just 2 hours
What to Wear: Dressing for Success
Attending a major championship on the Welsh coast requires strategic planning. The weather can change in minutes, so layering is essential.
Essential items:
Waterproof jacket: Welsh weather is famously unpredictable
Comfortable walking shoes: You'll cover miles following your favourite players
Sun protection: Even cloudy days can be deceiving
Layers: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a quality golf polo, and finish with a light jacket
Golf leggings: Ensure flexible fabrics that move with your body for complete comfort
This year's tournament showcases the evolution of golf fashion. Modern golf apparel combines performance technology with style, perfect for spectators who want to look good while staying comfortable during long days on the course.
Beyond the Golf: The Complete Experience
Festival Village
The championship isn't just about elite golf – it's a celebration of the sport. The Festival Village offers:
Free golf lessons from PGA professionals
Interactive experiences for all ages
Local Welsh cuisine alongside international options
Official merchandise and equipment demonstrations
Exploring Porthcawl
While you're in the area, don't miss:
Porthcawl Beach: Award-winning sandy stretches perfect for post-golf relaxation
Grand Pavilion: Historic entertainment venue with a rich cultural heritage
Cardiff: The Welsh capital is just 30 minutes away, offering world-class dining and attractions
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
With £1.275 million going to the winner, this represents one of the largest prizes in women's golf. But beyond the money, this week offers something more valuable – a place in history as the first AIG Women's Open champion at Royal Porthcawl. The economic impact extends far beyond the prize fund. The tournament is expected to generate over £15 million for the Welsh economy, showcasing the region's tourism potential to a global audience.
For some players, this tournament could present an opportunity to become a Rolex First-Time Winner, a prestigious accolade on the Ladies European Tour that recognizes breakthrough victories in major championships.
Watching from Home
Can't make it to Wales? The coverage is comprehensive:
Sky Sports Golf: Full live coverage all four days
BBC: Weekend highlights and key moments
Streaming: Sky Go and BBC iPlayer for on-demand viewing
International: Golf Channel and ESPN+ for global audiences
Why This Tournament Matters
The AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl represents more than just another major championship. It's a statement about the growth and global reach of women's golf, showcasing the strength of both the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour. It's proof that the sport's biggest events can thrive in new venues, creating fresh narratives and inspiring new generations of golfers. This week, Royal Porthcawl will test every aspect of the players' games. The course will reward precision, punish mistakes, and ultimately crown a champion who has mastered both the technical and mental challenges of links golf.
Your Championship Experience
Whether you're planning to attend or watch from home, this championship offers something special. The combination of Royal Porthcawl's natural beauty, the world's best players, passionate Welsh support, and perfect timing creates the ideal recipe for memorable golf. Spectators are welcome to capture memories with personal photography, and sharing experiences on social media using #AIGWomensOpen and #RoyalPorthcawl helps spread the excitement globally.
The Verdict
The AIG Women's Open 2025 at Royal Porthcawl promises to be more than just a golf tournament – it's a celebration of the sport at its highest level, set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in golf. With record prize money, a world-class field featuring top players from the World Golf Rankings, and a course that will test every aspect of the players' games, this week has all the ingredients for sporting drama. Add the passionate Welsh support and the historic significance of the venue's first major championship, and you have the recipe for something truly special. Don't miss this opportunity to witness history in the making. Whether you're there in person or watching from home, the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl will remind you why golf, at its best, is simply magical.
For live updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow the tournament at aigwomensopen.com. Looking to upgrade your golf wardrobe for the season?Discover championship-quality apparel and accessories at www.OttGolfWear.com.
Comments