Staff WriterThe AIG Women’s Open, already poised to make history as the largest women’s sporting event Wales has ever seen, is now turning the emotional volume up to eleven.
Kicking off at Royal Porthcawl from 30 July to 3 August, the 2025 edition won’t just be about pristine drives and pressure putts—it’s about people. And thanks to a clever new initiative from The R&A, it’s the fans who’ll be stealing a bit of the spotlight.
Enter the Hero Message—a digital love letter from golf lovers around the world. Designed to deepen the connection between player and punter, the campaign allows fans to upload personal video and photo messages to their favourite competitors through a portal on AIGWomensOpen.com.
These tributes will beam across big screens at the Championship, feature on the official website, and—most importantly—land right in the players’ hands.
It’s a fitting gesture for the AIG Women’s Open, a tournament already renowned for breaking boundaries in women’s golf—and now emotional ones too.
“I think sometimes we don’t realise just how many people are out there supporting us, especially from afar,” said defending champion Lydia Ko. “Hero Messages are such a cool way to bring that to life. To walk off the course and see a message from someone who’s been cheering you on, it’s going to mean a lot. I love that fans now have this direct way to connect with us.”
There’s nothing fluffy about this—just a raw, heartfelt link between athlete and admirer. As any pro will tell you, golf is a lonely walk if you’re not feeling the love.
“The fans mean a lot to us and sometimes we don’t get to hear from them directly,” added Georgia Hall, 2018 Champion and all-round crowd-pleaser.
“Hero Messages are a really lovely idea. It gives us that chance to feel the support in a really personal way. I think it’s going to be really special to see those messages throughout the week and be reminded of how many people are cheering us on.”
For 2023 winner Lilia Vu, the concept is more than just a tech gimmick—it’s a reminder of purpose.
“Sometimes when you’re out there competing, you forget how many people are actually watching and cheering you on.
Hero Messages are such a cool reminder of that support. To feel that kind of encouragement, it really means a lot.”
But this isn’t just about warm fuzzies. It’s part of The R&A’s continued push to reshape the Championship into a more immersive experience for all.
“We’re passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences for both fans and players, and Hero Messages are a wonderful example of that,” said Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open.
“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.”
So, if you’ve got a message—whether it’s from the heart, from the kids, or from the local clubhouse—now’s your chance to be part of something bigger.
The players will be grinding over three-footers under Welsh skies, and thanks to Hero Messages, they’ll know exactly who’s cheering them on from back home.
To get involved, visit aigwomensopen.com and submit your Hero Message today.
In a game defined by quiet concentration, it’s time the fans had a voice.
