The climax of the women's major season arrives this week with the AIG Women's Open, and Sky Sports is delivering its most comprehensive live broadcast to date from the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes. This year’s tournament promises drama, history and the chance for several top players to etch their names into the record books. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to the links after her breakthrough victory at Royal Porthcawl last season. The Japanese star is aiming to become the first back‑to‑back winner of the AIG Women’s Open since Yani Tseng achieved the feat in 2011.
Yamashita’s composure and precision will be under the microscope as she tackles the demanding 6,601‑yard, par‑71 layout that tests every facet of a golfer’s game. Heading into the event, American prodigy Nelly Korda entered as the odds‑on favourite.
She has already secured two majors this season – the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open – and a victory at Royal Lytham would not only give her a third major in 2026 but also cement her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame and complete the career Grand Slam. Korda’s powerful swing and strategic course management have made her a formidable contender, and fans will be watching closely to see if she can maintain her winning momentum. Another storyline revolves around Haeran Ryu, who captured both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship earlier in the year.
Ryu is now chasing a third consecutive major title, a rare achievement that would underline her dominance on the global stage. Meanwhile, rising talents such as Jeeno Thitikul and seasoned campaigners like Hyojoo Kim are also in the mix, each hoping to add a major trophy to their résumé.
The tournament also holds special significance for the home crowd. English players Charley Hull and Lottie Woad are both looking to claim their first major championship, a feat that would make them the first Englishwoman to win a major since Georgia Hall’s triumph in 2018.
Their performances are especially crucial as this week marks the final leg of the qualification process for Europe’s Solheim Cup team, set to compete in September. Strong finishes here could secure their spots on the prestigious biennial team. Sky Sports has announced that this will be the most extensive live coverage of the AIG Women’s Open ever provided.
For the first time, the broadcaster will feature "Featured Groups" coverage, delivering live action from all four rounds and giving viewers a more granular look at the competition. The schedule includes a live broadcast of the final round on Sunday, August 2, at 12:00 pm, with additional highlights and recaps available each evening at 11:00 pm and a full replay of the final round on the following Monday. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video player experience. Those with Sky subscriptions can watch the tournament on Sky Sports Golf, with supplementary coverage on Sky Sports Main Event throughout the week.
The Sky Sports app also offers streaming options for subscribers, while non‑Sky customers can access the action via a NOW Day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month subscription, both of which require no long‑term contract. In addition to the televised feed, Sky Sports provides a live blog for viewers on the move, delivering minute‑by‑minute updates and commentary. Near‑live clips and post‑round highlights are also available on the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans can catch up on any missed action at their convenience. Royal Lytham & St Annes is one of the most iconic courses in the R&A’s portfolio.
It has hosted The Open Championship eleven times and served as a Ryder Cup venue on two occasions. This will be the sixth time the course stages the AIG Women’s Open, and its layout is renowned for the sheer number of pot bunkers—over 170—that line the fairways, demanding precise shot placement. Uniquely, it is the only Open venue that begins with a par‑three, setting an immediate test for the field.
The 2026 edition also commemorates the centenary of the club’s first Open Championship, won by the legendary Bobby Jones. Over the past century, the links have witnessed triumphs by greats such as Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros (twice), David Duval and Ernie Els.
The last two women’s Open champions at Royal Lytham have been British: Catriona Matthew in 2009 and Georgia Hall in 2018, adding a layer of national pride to this year’s competition. For those looking to book a round of golf themselves, Sky Sports promotes access to over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, with an online search tool that allows users to find courses by name, city or postcode. While the search feature currently returns no results for some queries, the platform encourages trying alternative terms to locate the perfect venue.
In summary, the AIG Women’s Open promises a blend of historic significance, high‑stakes competition, and unprecedented broadcasting depth. Whether you are a dedicated golf enthusiast or a casual viewer, Sky Sports offers multiple ways to experience the drama as the world’s best female golfers vie for the coveted Claret Jug.
Tune in, follow the live blog, and enjoy the highlights to stay up‑to‑date on every pivotal moment of this landmark event.