The most recent leaderboard from the 50th edition of the AIG Women’s Open – the season‑ending major on the women’s calendar – has been posted, showing the battle underway at the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to Royal Lytham & St Annes with a point to prove. She captured the title last year by edging England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese competitor Minami Katsu by two strokes at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. Since that triumph, Yamashita has built an impressive résumé on the LPGA Tour.
In June she won the Meijer LPGA Classic, prevailing over Lottie Woad in a dramatic sudden‑death playoff, and she followed that victory with a tied‑fifth finish at the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open just a week ago. The 24‑year‑old Japanese star now faces a deep and talented field that includes world No.
1 Nelly Korda, who is eyeing the elusive career Grand Slam by adding a fourth distinct major to her collection at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda’s presence adds a further layer of intrigue, as a win would cement her status among the all‑time greats.
Home‑grown players Lottie Woad and Charley Hull are also in the mix, each hoping to become the first major champion from the United Kingdom this year. Hull, who finished runner‑up at the U.S. Women’s Open in June, is still searching for that elusive victory after five major runner‑up finishes.
Woad, meanwhile, has been quietly rising through the ranks and is eager to capitalize on the home‑course advantage. Royal Lytham & St Annes has a rich history with the Women’s Open.
Georgia Hall lifted the trophy there in 2018, following Catriona Matthew’s triumph at the same venue in 2009. Their victories are a reminder of how the links can reward strategic play, patience, and the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions. Speaking of weather, the tournament’s on‑site meteorologist predicts a mix of rain and sunshine throughout the week. Thursday may see an occasional shower with breezy conditions of 12‑18 mph (gusts up to 28 mph) and a high of 21 °C (70 °F).
Friday looks brighter, though a brief shower remains possible, with winds easing to 10‑15 mph (gusts around 20 mph) and temperatures near 20 °C (68 °F). Saturday and Sunday are expected to be partly cloudy, with milder winds of 5‑10 mph and highs hovering around 20‑21 °C. Players will need to stay flexible as the links can change dramatically from one hour to the next. A total of 144 competitors have qualified for the event, featuring top‑ranked talent such as world No.
2 Jeeno Thitikul and world No. 3 Haeran Ryu. Ryu, who already claimed two majors this season – the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June and the Evian Championship in July – is chasing a third major title and a possible historic sweep.
Details on the various exemption categories and a complete list of entrants are available on the official AIG Women’s Open website. The first round tee times are set for 6:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, with the full schedule posted online.
After 36 holes, the cut will be applied to the top 65 players and ties, determining who will continue to the third and fourth rounds. Third‑round tee times will be released on Friday night, and weekend pairings will be adjusted based on the number of players who make the cut. Sky Sports Golf has expanded its coverage for this year’s championship, offering six additional hours of live broadcast compared with the previous season. Early morning coverage will begin at 9 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday, while comprehensive live action of the first two rounds will start at 1 p.m. each day. The final two days will be shown from noon onward, with nightly highlight reels airing at 11 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf. Viewers can also stream the tournament without a contract through the NOW platform, ensuring that fans worldwide can follow every swing.
As the world’s elite women golfers converge on Royal Lytham & St Annes, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2026 season. Whether it’s Yamashita defending her crown, Korda chasing a career Grand Slam, or a home‑grown hopeful breaking through, the drama promises to be compelling.
Tune in throughout the week to witness the skill, resilience, and excitement that define the AIG Women’s Open.