Women's Open Championship Qualification Guidelines: Explanation of Process
Lottie Woad, the rising star who recently triumphed in her first professional appearance at the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open, is set to make her mark at the AIG Women's Open. The tournament, held at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, is the final Major of the year and promises to be a challenging test for all competitors.
The AIG Women's Open cut rule is a stern one, with only the top 65 players and ties progressing to the weekend after the first two rounds (36 holes). This rule has been in place since 2005 and aligns with the LPGA Tour’s 36-hole cut standard, which was updated in 2023. Unlike some other tournaments, there is no additional 10-shot rule, meaning players farther than 10 shots behind the leader do not automatically make the cut.
Last year, the cut line was set at four-over at the Old Course, St Andrews. With more than half the field being eliminated on Friday evening, players may need to go lower to make the cut this year, as conditions are expected to continue being settled into the second round. Wind was a factor in the first round this year, but it is predicted to ease up, making for potentially lower scores.
One player eager to add the AIG Women's Open to her two Major wins is Nelly Korda, the world's top-ranked player. Korda, who hasn't missed a cut for 13 months, will be a force to reckon with. Other notable players expected to compete over all 72 holes include Lydia Ko, the defending champion, and Jeeno Thitikul, who is currently in form.
The initial field for the tournament consists of 144 players, but with the tight cut rule, many will find their campaigns cut short. Last year, big names such as Allisen Corpuz, Minjee Lee, and Megan Khang were among those eliminated.
The AIG Women's Open cut rule differs from The Open, which is more generous, with the top 70 players and ties progressing to the weekend. It also varies from the US Women's Open, where the top 60 and ties make the cut at the halfway stage. However, it is the same as the cut rule for the Chevron Championship, KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and Amundi Evian Championship.
With the AIG Women's Open being the final Major of the year, the stakes are high. Lottie Woad, fresh from her victory at the Scottish Open, will be looking to continue her impressive form and make her mark at Royal Porthcawl. The tight cut rule means that every shot will count, making for a thrilling and unpredictable tournament.
Lottie Woad might consider adding golf's AIG Women's Open to her list of triumphs, as she prepares for the challenging test at Royal Porthcawl, where sports like golf will determine the fate of the competitors, with only the top 65 players or ties progressing to the weekend after the first two rounds.
Nelly Korda, the world's top-ranked player, is one of the players eager to claim the AIG Women's Open as her third Major win, having a record of not missing a cut for 13 months.
