The 2025 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl delivered. For the fifth time in tournament history, the Women’s British Open featured two holes-in-one during the week. But never like this.
On Sunday, English golfer Mimi Rhodes made one of the most improbable aces in professional golf history. She holed out from 184 yards on the par-3 5th, but not directly.
Her ball caromed off fellow competitor Steph Kyriacou’s ball, which had landed just inches from the hole, and redirected straight into the cup. Cue the stunned looks, the laughter, and a whole lot of rules officials nodding in approval.
Yes, it was completely legal. Kyriacou was allowed to replace her ball on its original mark (which was still inside a foot), and Rhodes walked off with an unforgettable hole-in-one.
Kyriacou was responsible for the other ace earlier in the tournament, having carded her own hole-in-one on Friday. So in a tournament that featured two aces, Kyriacou made one and helped create the other — possibly the first ace + assist stat line in major championship history.
A First Major for Miyu Yamashita
While all eyes were on the bizarre and brilliant bank shot, Japan’s Miyu Yamashita quietly completed a remarkable week to claim her first career major title. The 23-year-old stayed composed under pressure, navigating brutal Sunday conditions and closing out the win. It looks like this could be a breakthrough moment for the rising star.
In a sport built on precision and control, the 5th hole at Royal Porthcawl on Sunday reminded fans that sometimes the wildest bounces create the most unforgettable moments. For Mimi Rhodes, it’s an ace she’ll never forget. For Steph Kyriacou, it’s a tournament she’ll definitely never forget.
