Aug 2, 2026

CARLSBAD, Calif. (August 2, 2026) – A 23-year-old Japanese star used Nippon Shaft products to win the AIG Women’s Open in a two-hole playoff Sunday (Aug. 2) at Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s Golf Club in England.

The champion used Nippon Shaft N.S.PRO 850GH steel shafts in her irons and N.S. PRO 950GH steel shafts in her wedges to shoot a 5-under par total 279 with rounds of 66-70-73-70. She parred both playoff holes while her opponent bogeyed the second to win her first major championship. She earned a first place check of $1.5 million on a $10 million purse. She turned pro in 2021 and dominated the Japan LPGA last year.

“Nippon Shaft is thrilled that the winner of this year’s Women’s Open plays Nippon Shaft products in her irons and wedges,” said Hiro Fukuda, sales and marketing for Nippon Shaft. “We congratulate her and will be watching closely as her career moves forward.”

Nippon Shaft continues to dominate women’s major championships. Fifty-five of the last 89 major championships have been won by players using Nippon Shafts in their irons.

Nippon Shaft products are available globally either as stock or custom shafts in many of the world’s top iron brands.  In addition, Nippon Shaft products are available through Nippon Shaft’s dedicated global club fitter network.  Details of these can be found at www.nipponshaft.com

Based in Yokohama, Japan, Nippon Shaft is the No. 1-selling steel shaft in Asia.  Nippon Shaft is a privately held subsidiary of NHK Spring Co. LTD, a Japanese automobile parts manufacturer.  Nippon Shaft’s North American headquarters is in Carlsbad.