Miyu Yamashita Targets AIG Women’s Open Title Defense
By James Moreau | 30 Jul, 2026

The world No. 6 looks to build on her elite recovery game and playoff prowess as she defends her first major title at this year’s AIG Women’s Open.

Miyū Yamashita arrives at this year’s AIG Women’s Open focused on defending her first major title, which she secured last year by finishing 11-under-par and earning $1.46 million.  She was able to control the tournament by leading with two sub-70 rounds, including a tournament-best 65 in the second round.

She rounded out her LPGA Tour rookie year with a win in November at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia, clinching the title with a birdie on the first playoff hole.  At this year’s Meijer LPGA Classic, she repeated that feat, again birdieing the first playoff hole to earn her first title of the current season.

Through the 2026 season, she has finished in the top 10 in half of her starts, totaling seven such placements – the third-highest frequency on the tour.  This success has earned her a No. 6 world ranking, backed by consistent ball-striking throughout the year.

Yamashita, who stands 4’11” and hails from Neyagawa, Osaka, began playing golf at age 5.  Her development has led to an elite recovery game.  This season, she currently ranks second on the tour in scrambling percentage, successfully salvaging par or better after missing the green in regulation.  Having already surpassed $5 million in official career earnings, these statistical benchmarks position her as a primary contender in the field.