World No. 1 Nelly Korda has been placed into a glittering early‑day grouping alongside back‑to‑back major champion Haeran Ryu for the opening two rounds of the AIG Women’s Open at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes. Both players have already secured two major titles this season, a feat never before achieved by any pair in a single year.
Korda’s résumé includes victories at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, while Ryu captured the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship.
Their combined success sets the stage for a potential historic triple‑major season, a milestone last seen when Inbee Park won three majors in 2013. Ryu, who is chasing a third consecutive major, tees off at 8:42 a.m. alongside Korda and 2024 champion Lydia Ko. The early start not only gives them the advantage of cooler conditions but also places them under the spotlight of the new Featured Groups coverage that Sky Sports Golf will broadcast live from 9:00 a.m.
on Thursday. The coverage will follow their every shot, offering viewers an in‑depth look at how the two world‑class competitors navigate the demanding links layout. Also in the early action is England’s Lottie Woad, who hopes to become the first Englishwoman to win a major since Georgia Hall’s triumph in 2018, which also took place at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Ranked fifth in the world, Woad is paired with Japan’s Aki Iwai and American Andrea Lee, forming another marquee three‑ball that will be highlighted in the Featured Group segment. Woad’s presence adds a compelling national storyline, as she strives to break a decade‑long drought for English players at the Open.
On the opposite side of the draw, defending champion Miyu Yamashita aims to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng. Yamashita, a rising star from Japan, tees off at 1:15 p.m.
with world No. 2 Jeongeun “Jeeno” Thitikul of Thailand and American Lauren Coughlin. Her quest for consecutive titles brings an added layer of drama, especially as she attempts to defend her crown on a course that has historically favored precision over power.
Charley Hull, another English contender, finds herself in the late‑early half of the field, looking to improve on two runner‑up finishes in the last three editions of the Open. Hull will share her group with Australia’s Hannah Green and Canada’s Brooke Henderson, both of whom have multiple tour victories and are considered strong contenders. Hull’s experience at Lytham, combined with her recent form, makes her a player to watch as she seeks her first major victory.
The tournament’s schedule features a one‑tee start for all 144 competitors, beginning at 6:30 a.m. with England’s Alice Hewson opening the day.
This format ensures a steady flow of action and allows fans to follow the competition from sunrise to sunset. In addition to the individual battles, the Open serves as the final qualifying event for European players hoping to earn a spot on the Solheim Cup team. Team Europe will automatically include the top two players in the Solheim Cup points standings, plus the next six eligible players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
Captain Anna Nordqvist will then select four additional players during a live broadcast on Sky Sports News. The Solheim Cup lineup, announced in the lead‑up to the Open, includes: - Anna Nordqvist (Sweden), Cassie Porter (Australia), Sayaka Takahashi (Japan) - Sei Young Kim (South Korea), Rio Takeda (Japan), Yuna Araki (Japan) - Hyojoo Kim (South Korea), Minjee Lee (Australia), Mao Saigo (Japan) - Lottie Woad (England), Aki Iwai (Japan), Andrea Lee (USA) - Lydia Ko (New Zealand), Nelly Korda (USA), Haeran Ryu (South Korea) - Miyu Yamashita (Japan), Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand), Lauren Coughlin (USA) - Charley Hull (England), Hannah Green (Australia), Brooke Henderson (Canada) - Maja Stark (Sweden), Jinhee Im (South Korea), Allisen Corpuz (Philippines) Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
For the first time, the network will provide Featured Groups coverage, extending live broadcast hours by six additional hours compared with previous years. The Featured Groups segment begins at 9:00 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday, followed by full coverage of the tournament starting at 1:00 p.m. Weekend rounds will be shown from midday onward, ensuring fans can watch every pivotal moment. Beyond the on‑course action, the Open offers fans multiple ways to engage with the event.
Viewers can stream the tournament live without a contract through Sky Sports’ flexible streaming options, and they can also explore special offers to book a round at any of the 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. These promotions provide an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to experience world‑class facilities and perhaps walk the same fairways that host the sport’s elite. In summary, the AIG Women’s Open promises a compelling blend of historic narratives, high‑stakes competition, and innovative broadcasting.
With world No. 1 Nelly Korda and major champion Haeran Ryu leading the early pack, and seasoned contenders like Charley Hull and defending champion Miyu Yamashita positioned for a showdown later in the day, the tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you are a casual fan or a devoted follower of women’s golf, the week ahead offers ample reason to tune in, follow the featured groups, and witness the potential making of golf history at Royal Lytham & St Annes.