De Roey and Wardle share top spot in Women’s Open qualifying

by News Editor July 28, 2026

written by News Editor July 28, 2026 2 minutes read

R&AEngland’s Bel Wardle finished joint-top of Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open at St Annes Old Links.

Thirteen players secured their places in this week’s AIG Women’s Open after Final Qualifying at St Annes Old Links, headed by Belgium’s Manon De Roey and England’s Bel Wardle.

Manon De Roey and Bel Wardle shared top spot at Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, both carding four-under-par 68s over St Annes Old Links to head a field of 13 players securing places at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

A field of 111 competed in breezy conditions over 18 holes. Wardle, 26, will play in her first major championship, while De Roey, 34, is preparing for her seventh consecutive AIG Women’s Open appearance.

Home ties for Wardle

Wardle, whose closest previous form had deserted her for a couple of seasons, said the week carries extra meaning given the venue’s proximity to her home. “I’m now just so pleased. Royal Lytham & St Annes is fairly local for me — it’s only an hour away from Manchester. It will be like a dream to play in the AIG Women’s Open.”

De Roey credited last week’s event at Dundonald, and an evening spent walking the course with her caddie, for her preparation. “We made a game plan, mainly to avoid bunkers, and I think we did a good job.”

Five players finished on three-under 69 to qualify: amateur Lauren Crump and former Curtis Cup player Annabell Fuller of England, Australia’s Justice Bosio, France’s Vanessa Bouvet and Spain’s Carla Tejedo Mulet.

Crump, playing close to courses she knows from family holidays, said the week felt personal. “I’ve played Lytham a few times so it’s kind of nostalgic… I’m really excited to be near the English girls this week and be around players like Lottie Woad who have inspired me.”

Eight players tied at two-under and went to a playoff for the six remaining places. Anna Foster, Chloe Williams, Polly Mack, Ana Peláez Trivino, Amanda Doherty and Jodi Ewart Shadoff all progressed. Foster, making her third appearance through qualifying, said experience had helped her stay composed. “You don’t need to be perfect to get through, you can plot your way round, and I tried to remind myself of that.”

The AIG Women’s Open takes place this week at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Full qualifiers: