2023 AIG Women’s Open: Power Rankings, Defending Champion, Prize Money, and Major Details

The AIG Women’s Open is all set to take place from the 10th to the 13th of August, 2023 at the Walton Health Club in England. Currently organized by the R&A, it is the final major of the season in women’s golf. So it’s no wonder that the spotlight is completely on it.

One of the highly-anticipated tournaments in 2023, 144 players have confirmed to take part in the event which boasts an impressive prize money purse of $7.3 million with the winner’s cut amounting to $1095,000. Let’s check out some of the important information in regard to the tournament.

Which faces are likely to be seen in the 2023 AIG Women’s Open?

The golf world is on the edge of their seats as the date draws near. Some of the top golfers will be seen plying their trade, including the defending champion Ashleigh Buhai from South Africa. Coming into the tournament on the back of successive triumphs, French golfer Celine Boutier has become a star in a matter of days and there will be many eyes on her. Let’s check out the top five contenders for the tournament based on their power rankings.

1.  Nelly Korda – Presently ranked as No.1 in the world, the American pro golfer won the Aramco Team Series held in London last month. Korda was able to secure third place in the 2023 Chevron Championship and T9 in the Amundi Evian Championship. The latter finish propelled her to the top spot in the rankings.
2. Jin Young Ko – The South Korean mastermind is placed at No.2 in the rankings. Her 2 LPGA wins this year came at the HSBC Women’s Championship and the Cognizant Founders Cup. Moreover, Jin Young Ko would look to get back to the top of the rankings, having been displaced by Nelly Korda not long ago.
3. Celine Boutier– The current Amundi Evian Championship winner is ranked 4th in the world. Along with the major, the French golfer also clinched a victory in last week’s Women;s Scottish Open. She will be eager to carry her momentum into the tournament and make it three in three.
4. Brooke Henderson – Placed at No.8 in the Rolex rankings, Canadian Brooke Henderson won the previous year’s Evian Championship and has managed to secure 2nd place in this year’s major. She is looking good ahead of the final major of the year.
5.  Ashleigh Buhai – The South African pro golfer, who is currently placed 16th in the Rolex rankings, won the previous year’s Championship in the play-off. In the lead-up to the event, she has not done well but then form is temporary, class is permanent!

Now let’s check out some important information about the venue of the tournament, like in what aspects it’s unique and what types of players it’s likely to favor.

A test for the players at Walton Heath Golf Club

One of the world’s most highly regarded golf clubs, the Walton Heath boasts a strategic layout that allows the players to face real challenges. The fifth major of the year will see 18 holes being played each day on the course with a weekend cut after two days.  The top 65 and tied players will qualify to play at the weekend. Famous for its rich golfing and political history, the course consists of two ‘exceptionally challenging’ heathland layouts, the Walton Heath Old and New.

ALSO READ- After Missing on $1 Million Payday, Star Nelly Korda Gives a Stern Advice to Her Fans

Both courses have been featured in the top 50 rankings in UK and Ireland. Moreover, The Old has been maintaining its place in the World’s top 100 every year since it has come into being. Boasting a scenic beauty, it will reward the players who will be able to drive the ball with much accuracy and skill. One can expect a lot of drama on the course. The hype for the event is reaching its peak. Who do you think will win the AIG Women’s Open? Drop your comments below.

Watch This Story- Amid Her Special Day, 13X LPGA Winner Nelly Korda’s Proficient First-Class Display Resurfaces Leaving Fans Astounded