FOSTER COMES THROUGH ‘STRESSFUL’ WOMEN’S OPEN QUALIFYING
Ireland’s Anna Foster came through final qualifying and the play-off to book her place in the AIG Women’s Open (Photo: LET/Tristan Jones)
Ireland’s Anna Foster booked her place in this week’s AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes after coming through the gruelling qualifying at St Annes Old Links where 13 players booked their place in the women’s Major.
The Elm Park golfer came out victorious on the first playoff hole after making a timely birdie to secure a third appearance at the AIG Women’s Open.
“The wind was still blowing early this morning, but I managed to get out there and make a good start which gave me a little bit of a cushion as there are some tough holes on the back nine,” said Foster. “I feel like I’ve been playing well recently and tried to lean on the times I’ve come through Final Qualifying before in 2023 and 2025. I was definitely thinking about those previous occasions and the positive memories.
“You don’t need to be perfect to get through, you can plot your way round, and I tried to remind myself of that. It’s quite a tough and stressful day and I just tried to keep it simple. It’s exciting to play again in the AIG Women’s Open. Each time I’ve played I’ve got a bit more experience and I feel like I belong there more.”
Belgium’s Manon De Roey and Bel Wardle from England shared top spot at Final Qualifying. A field of 111 players competed in breezy conditions over 18 holes at nearby St Annes Old Links, as De Roey and Wardle headed the qualifiers with four-under-par rounds of 68.
Wardle (26) will play in her first Major while De Roey (34) who posted her score in the final group of the day, can look forward to her seventh consecutive AIG Women’s Open appearance.
“Royal Troon was my first AIG Women’s Open in 2020 after Covid-19. I love the Championship as it’s really testing for your skills. In Scotland last week, I tried some new shots to keep the ball below the wind on the links and today I played very good golf. Last week definitely prepared me for today,” said De Roey.
Wardle added: “I’m now just so pleased. Royal Lytham & St Annes is fairly local for me. It’s only an hour away from Manchester. I’ve only played Lytham once… although I have also played it on a simulator! It will be like a dream to play in the AIG Women’s Open.”
Five players finished on three-under-par 69 to qualify, including the English amateur Lauren Crump and former Curtis Cup player Annabell Fuller, along with Australia’s Justice Bosio, Vanessa Bouvet from France and Spain’s Carla Tejedo Mulet.
Eight players finished on the two-under mark and battled it out in a play-off for the remaining six places available. Foster, Chloe Williams, Polly Mack, Ana Pelaez Trivino, Amanda Doherty and Jodi Ewart Shadoff all progressed.
The 2026 AIG Women’s Open takes place at Royal Lytham & St Annes (July 29 – August 2, 2026) with a world class field chasing the coveted title at the final Major of the year.
Qualifiers in full:
Bel Wardle, England -4
Manon De Roey, Belgium -4
Justice Bosio, Australia -3
Lauren Crump (a), England -3
Annabell Fuller, England -3
Vanessa Bouvet, France -3
Carla Tejedo Mulet, Spain -3
After play-off:
Anna Foster, Ireland -2
Chloe Williams, Wales -2
Polly Mack, Germany -2
Ana Peláez Trivino, Spain -2
Amanda Doherty, USA -2
Jodi Ewart Shadoff, England -2
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