In a dramatic final qualifying round ahead of the prestigious 2025 AIG Women’s Open, American Brianna Do and Canadian teenager Anna Huang emerged as standout performers, clinching their spots in this year’s major at Royal Porthcawl. Meanwhile, defending star Danielle Kang was among several big names who failed to advance, adding a dose of unpredictability to the championship lineup.
A Day of High Drama at Final Qualifying
Held at the challenging Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club in Wales, the final qualifying event attracted 107 hopefuls competing fiercely for just 17 available places in the 144-player field. Both Do and Huang put in impressive performances under tricky conditions to book their places come tournament week.
Highlights of the Final Qualifying Round
Anna Huang (Canada): The 16-year-old dazzled with a 4-under-par 67, leading the qualifiers with the lowest round of the day.
Brianna Do (USA): The 35-year-old, a former Women’s Amateur Public Links champion, secured her place with a solid 1-under-par finish, tying for eighth.
Danielle Kang: The 2017 major winner and four-time Solheim Cup player shot a 73, finishing well above the cut and missing out.
Additional Qualifiers: Players from Ireland, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and more filled out the final field spots.
“I’m delighted with my score,” said Anna Huang, reflecting on her breakthrough performance. “I’m still getting used to links golf, but I think I handled it pretty well. This will be my second major after playing the U.S. Open earlier this year.”
Spotlight on Anna Huang: A Rising Star
At just 16, Anna Huang is the youngest player on the Ladies European Tour this year. Her remarkable composure and skill in navigating the often unpredictable links conditions mark her as a player to watch.
- Achieved front nine domination with four birdies and an eagle.
- Managed to hold her nerve despite three bogeys on the back nine.
- Already gained valuable experience from her U.S. Open debut in May 2025.
Her success in the qualifier underlines her rapid development and growing confidence on the international stage.
Brianna Do: A Seasoned Player Returns to the Women’s Open
For Brianna Do, qualifying represents a welcome return to the Women’s Open field after nearly a decade. She last played the event in 2016 and is building positive momentum after a solid run at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June.
- Currently ranked 351st in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings.
- Praised her experience playing links courses across Scotland in recent years.
- Emphasizes patience and preparation as key to her success in qualifiers.
Danielle Kang’s Missed Opportunity
Despite a valiant effort, Danielle Kang was unable to make the cut for the Open this year, a notable absence for a four-time Solheim Cup player. Kang remains optimistic about the experience and expressed gratitude for the camaraderie and challenges encountered during qualifying.
“Not even a little bit disappointed,” Kang said. “I met unbelievably great people and had a wonderful time preparing on these courses.”
What This Means for the 2025 AIG Women’s Open
The qualifier results shake up the tournament field, blending youthful brilliance with experienced campaigners like Do while leaving some big names out. With the official tee times soon to be released, excitement is building for the tournament kicking off Thursday at Royal Porthcawl.
Key Takeaways:
Youthful excitement: Anna Huang’s presence adds fresh energy and narrative to the event.
Veteran resilience: Brianna Do’s return after years away shows the depth of talent battling for spots.
High-profile misses: The door is open for surprises with stars like Kang absent from the starting roster.
FAQs About Do, Huang, and Kang at the 2025 Women’s Open
Q1: How did Anna Huang secure her place in the Women’s Open?
A: Huang fired a 4-under-par 67 in final qualifying to lead all qualifiers and earn her spot.
Q2: What is notable about Brianna Do’s qualification?
A: Do returns to the Women’s Open for the first time since 2016 after finishing 1-under in qualifying.
Q3: Why did Danielle Kang miss the Women’s Open?
A: Kang shot 73 in qualifying, which was not low enough to make the cut for the 17 qualifying spots.
Q4: How many players qualified through the final round?
A: Seventeen players earned their places in the 144-player field through this final qualifier.
Q5: When and where will the 2025 AIG Women’s Open take place?
A: The tournament runs from July 30 to August 3 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales.
Conclusion
The final qualifying round for the 2025 AIG Women’s Open will be remembered for the inspiring rise of young Anna Huang and the steady comeback of Brianna Do, alongside the surprising absence of established star Danielle Kang. As the champs prepare for Royal Porthcawl, fans can anticipate a thrilling tournament enriched by fresh talent and seasoned competitors alike.
