It’s inevitable that, with a Major title and a shot at making history on the line, much of the focus at the AIG Women’s Open is on the top of the leaderboard. There are plenty of fascinating stories developing among those in contention, too.
They include whether Haeran Ryu can win her third consecutive Major, or whether players such as Jeeno Thitikul, Lottie Woad and Charley Hull will claim their first.
However, away from the spotlight at Royal Lytham & St Annes, other stories of heartache and triumph are unfolding.
Among the shocks were the likes of Major winner Ruoning Yin and defending champion Miyu Yamashita missing the cut, but for one player, confirming her place in the last two rounds was a big moment.
Sara Kouskova is making just her second AIG Women’s Open appearance, having qualified via the 2025 LET Order of Merit.
After opening with a six-over 77, the Czech player was staring down the barrel of her second consecutive missed cut at the Major.
Her prospects looked even bleaker after a second-hole bogey on Friday, before she responded with two birdies to leave her five over at the 18th.
Even then, she needed another push to scramble above the cut line, and she found the extra she needed, rolling in a birdie putt at the last for a 69 - eight shots better than her opening round - to secure her place for the weekend.
The moment the putt dropped, it was obvious what it meant to her, with Kouskova throwing her arms in the air in celebration before embracing playing partner Annabell Fuller.
Scenes! Just listen to the roar as Sára Kousková birdies the last to better yesterday’s score by eight shots and make the cut at Royal Lytham ‼️#AIGWO pic.twitter.com/ZDFD7IC3xMJuly 31, 2026
The significance of the putt wasn’t lost on those watching, either, with cheers and warm applause greeting her crucial birdie.
The two-time LET winner received more congratulations as she left the 18th, where she wiped tears of joy from her eyes as she headed towards the recorder’s hut.
Kouskova held her own in the third round, too, finishing even for the day to stay on four over with 18 holes to play.
However, regardless of where she finishes on the leaderboard, the emotional reaction to Kouskova making the weekend serves as a reminder that, for some players, simply earning the chance to walk down the 18th fairway on Sunday is an achievement in itself.
