3 Early Storylines to Follow Heading Into the AIG Women's Open

Don't be fooled, there's still one more major to be played and it's sure to be a special one. The AIG Women's Open is headed to Wales, where the stage at Royal Porthcawl has been set for the world's best to take on what could be one of the most difficult tests the game has to offer.

Links golf, the style of play that's steeped in tradition, and at times feels like our sport's purest form. The firmness. The swiftness of the greens. The fescue. You're at the mercy of nature and its elements, and your usual course management strategy is put through the ringer. What's not to love?

When the best golfers in the world descend upon the UK during last summer, it feels as if the stars align. Life makes sense, and we all seem to not mind the early wake up calls as much. As we brace ourselves for the week ahead, here are a few things important things to note about the 2025 majors season finale.

Wales to roll out the red carpet for the women.

This year's AIG Women’s Open will be the largest women’s sporting event ever held in Wales. The tiny, yet mighty country, know for its stunning natural views consisting of rugged landscapes and oceanic beauty welcomes the best female golfer's in the world in a unique and heartfelt way.

Bringing the community into the tournament is a massive focal point, s the Championship has set up a fan activation called the Hero Message campaign, that will allow them to directly interact with players and welcome them to their home. Players will step off the course and into a wave of heartfelt video messages sent by fans, family and some rumored celebrity guests. Messages will be showcased across the Championship site on big screens, featured on the AIG Women’s Open website and provided directly to each player in the field.

Zoe Ridgway, the Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A said, "We’re passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences for both fans and players and Hero Messages are a wonderful example of that.

Using technology we can create deeper connections between fans and players. By surprising players with heartfelt messages from those who support them and are inspired by them, we can showcase the emotional depth of the sport and bring fans right into the moment.”

Hometown Hero

The sense of community will bleed into the AIG field as one of Wales' very own will be teeing it up at her home course. Darcey Harry, a rookie on the Ladies European Tour, won her first pro event earlier in the summer to earn herself a spot into this year's field.

Skratch caught up with Harry to hear about her days growing up and playing Royal Porthcawl, so stay tuned for that conversation and what her approach for the week has looked like.

The Course

As for Porthcawl, it's quintessentially Welsh golf at its finest. With breathtaking sea views to be savored from almost every part of the course, this will be a really challenge for the players according to Harry.

It plays tricky on a sunny day, but one sign of poor weather can turn the course on its head, and players better be ready for the challenge. We've seen Porthcawl show its teeth, like at the 2023 Senior Open, where the winning score sat at 5-over par.

Buckle up, golf fans. We're in for a real treat.