The stage is set for the 2025 Women’s Open, one of the five major championships in women’s golf, as the world’s top players descend on Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales from Thursday, 31 July to Sunday, 3 August 2025. Organised by The R&A, this year’s championship boasts a record INR 80 CRORE prize purse, attracting an elite 144-player field.
Among them are two of India’s brightest stars: Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar, both looking to script history on the grandest stage in women’s golf.
Lottie Woad: A Star on the Rise
At just 21, Lottie Woad has already shaken up the professional scene. After turning pro earlier this month, the English phenom captured the Women’s Scottish Open title within just 13 days and narrowly missed a historic amateur major win at the Amundi Evian Championship.
Woad’s presence in the Women’s Open adds further intrigue, especially as three of the four majors this year have crowned first-time champions: Grace Kim, Maja Stark, and Mao So. With 13 different winners in the last 13 women’s majors, Woad might continue the trend to claim her first major victory.
Lydia Ko Eyes Back-to-Back Titles
New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, the defending Women’s Open champion, returns with confidence after her 2024 win at St Andrews, which marked her third major title. Her victory came just weeks after winning gold at the Paris Olympics, proving her ability to peak under pressure.
Now 28, Ko is seeking her fourth major title and will aim to become the first player to win consecutive Women’s Opens since Yani Tseng.
Nelly Korda, Charley Hull Among Top Contenders
World No.1 Nelly Korda is one of the tournament favourites. She finished T2 behind Ko in 2024 and already captured the Chevron Championship last season. Known for her consistency and mental resilience, Korda is hungry for her first Women’s Open crown.
British favourite Charley Hull also returns with high hopes after finishing runner-up in both 2023 and 2024. With the support of the home crowd and her growing confidence, this could be her breakthrough.
Also in the mix are recent major champions Minjee Lee, Grace Kim, and Maja Stark, who arrive in form and ready to contend.
Jeeno Thitikul and the Unfinished Story
Thailand’s Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul, ranked World No. 2, is still searching for her first major. A two-time Smyth Salver winner and recent Evian Championship playoff runner-up, Thitikul has shown she can challenge the best. A win at Royal Porthcawl would be a fitting milestone in her rapidly rising career.
Darcey Harry to Fly the Welsh Flag
For local fans, all eyes will be on 22-year-old Darcey Harry, who will tee off on her home course. Having made qualification her priority this season, Harry now gets to live her dream of competing in a major with the entire Welsh crowd behind her.
India’s Challenge: Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar Ready for the Major Test
Aditi Ashok: Experience Meets Consistency
India’s Aditi Ashok returns to the Women’s Open with experience and momentum. A regular on the LPGA and LET Tours, she recently recorded strong finishes including a T17 at the Amundi Evian Championship, showcasing her ability to thrive in pressure-packed fields. Known for her precise approach play and mental discipline, Aditi will look to go deeper into the weekend and aim for a top-10 finish or more.
Diksha Dagar: Power and Potential
Joining her is Diksha Dagar, one of India’s most promising young players. A multiple-time LET winner and deaf Olympian, Diksha has shown incredible progress and qualified for the Open through the LET Order of Merit. Her aggressive style and fighting spirit make her one to watch, especially in the challenging conditions of a links course.
Together, Aditi and Diksha form India’s strongest-ever representation at a women’s major. A top finish from either would be a historic moment for Indian golf.
Final Word
The Women’s Open 2025 promises drama, breakthroughs, and legacy-defining moments. Whether it’s Lottie Woad making history, Lydia Ko defending her crown, or Indian stars Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar achieving career-defining success, the Royal Porthcawl links are ready for magic.
INR 80 CRORE is on the line, and the world will be watching.
