AIG WOMEN'S OPEN

August 2, 2026

Shiho Kuwaki

Press Conference

OLIVIA MCMILLAN: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to be joined by the 2026 Women's Open champion, Shiho Kuwaki. Shiho, congratulations. How does it feel to be the champion?

SHIHO KUWAKI: Just can't believe I won and I'm just full of happiness and appreciation for everything that's coming my way.

OLIVIA MCMILLAN: Ladies and gentlemen, if you get your hands up, we'll get you a microphone.

Q. You shot 69 to sit tied fourth after 18 holes in last year's event, but then missed the cut. I would just like to know if that first round gave you hope and encouragement that you could play links golf this week?

SHIHO KUWAKI: Yeah, last time out the second round was extremely windy, and just having to manage yourself around the golf course when it is that tough in those kind of conditions really helped me today and for the whole tournament.

Q. Second one: I know you are awarded 125 kilograms of rice by the city of Yokohama in 2024. I wonder how much is left.

SHIHO KUWAKI: Yeah, like you say, I was very happy to receive that and none of it is left. Yeah. It's all been happily consumed.

Q. Congratulations.

SHIHO KUWAKI: Thank you.

Q. You come from the same area as Hinako Shibuno. I was wondering if you could tell us how her victory inspired you.

SHIHO KUWAKI: Even from when I was playing in my high school days she was extremely supportive and always has been. She always speaks to me whenever we're abroad and at events together. Even before today she sent me a message saying, play well today.

Just having her like almost like a sister is just so amazing and I'm so super appreciative.

Q. We've been talking amongst ourselves about your style all week. How would you describe your sense of style?

SHIHO KUWAKI: I'm not one of the longest hitters, but I feel like my accuracy allows me to compete, and that's something I am very proud of.

Q. Oh, no, I meant fashion.

SHIHO KUWAKI: I know in terms of what I look like in Japan and probably here as well I'm probably one of the more out there players, but that's part of what makes me confident and makes me happy, and hopefully I think that led to some good play as well.

Q. Have you been on the phone to your parents and relations in the last hour?

SHIHO KUWAKI: No, not at all. I haven't touched my smartphone since I finished actually.

Q. Would they have been watching you or was to some ridiculous hour the night and they weren't watching you?

SHIHO KUWAKI: I think they were watching and even my friends were watching as well.

Q. Congratulations.

SHIHO KUWAKI: Thank you.

Q. You're one of the only golfers who uses a yellow golf ball on Tour. Is that something you've always done, and what is the reason for that?

SHIHO KUWAKI: I've been using a yellow ball pretty much since I started, and it's because it's easy to watch around the golf course, keep an eye on it.

Q. So I was wondering if you had any chance to think about what this victory means in terms of playing majors for the next five years, in terms of being able to join the LPGA, and how much it's going to change your life, no?

SHIHO KUWAKI: Yeah, I was planning to go play in Q-School later this year so I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Yeah, just to have all those things you said coming my way is just something that's very, very special and hasn't quite sunk in yet.

Q. You had a lot of the LPGA Japanese contingent waiting for you, watching you win. What did it mean to have those women out there with you to celebrate?

SHIHO KUWAKI: Yeah, I mean, I'm used to watching them on television when they're playing out here. To have them celebrate for me was an amazing feeling.

Q. Then I know you were sitting waiting to see how Esther was going finish and you had quite a shocked reaction to that putt, as we all did. What were you thinking when you saw her putt go in, and how did that change maybe the way you thought about the playoff?

SHIHO KUWAKI: Yeah, my hands were shaking while I was watching her go up to that putt, but I did think to myself as soon as I came off 18 it probably would be a playoff, so I was prepared for that.

Q. Wondering how you usually celebrate victories and what you'll do this evening and then into the next few weeks.

SHIHO KUWAKI: I really love to drink alcohol and just drink and have fun, so I intend to drink a lot tonight.

Q. Can I ask about your nails as well?

(Applause.)

Q. What will you be drinking?

SHIHO KUWAKI: Whiskey soda.

Q. Good to know. Can I ask about your nails? One hand has got a different color to the other. Is there any reason for that?

SHIHO KUWAKI: Just the way I feel. I like to keep it different.

Q. Enjoy the whiskey.

SHIHO KUWAKI: Thank you.