The climax of the women’s major season arrives this week with the AIG Women’s Open, and Sky Sports is set to deliver its most extensive live coverage ever from the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes. This premier event will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports, offering viewers unprecedented access to every round of the championship.
Defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to the links after her breakthrough victory at Royal Porthcawl last year. The Japanese star is now aiming to become the first player to retain the AIG Women’s Open title since Yani Tseng achieved the feat in 2011. Yamashita’s quest for back-to-back glory adds a compelling storyline to an already high‑stakes tournament.
Heading into the competition, American prodigy Nelly Korda entered as the odds‑on favorite. Having already secured two major titles this season – the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open – a win 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 pursuit of this historic milestone has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Recent major champion Haeran Ryu, who captured both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship, is also in the mix, chasing a third consecutive major victory.
Alongside her, rising talents such as Jeongeun “Jeeno” Thitikul and seasoned competitor Hyojoo Kim are eager to add their names to the winner’s list, promising a fiercely contested leaderboard. British hopefuls are eager to break a long drought for Englishwomen at a major.
Charley Hull and Lottie Woad both see an opportunity to become the first English champion since Georgia Hall lifted the trophy in 2018. Their performances this week will also influence the final selection for Europe’s Solheim Cup team, with the event serving as the last qualifying tournament before the September showdown. Sky Sports is rolling out a suite of new viewing options for the AIG Women’s Open.
For the first time, the network will feature "Featured Groups" coverage, allowing fans to follow specific player groups throughout the day. Live broadcasts will span all four rounds, with a dedicated schedule that includes: - Sunday, August 2, 12:00 pm – Live coverage of the final round (Day Four) on Sky Sports Golf. - Friday, starting at 9:00 am – Featured Groups coverage on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full‑field coverage from 1:00 pm.
In addition to live TV, Sky Sports offers a range of digital platforms. Sky customers can watch via the Sky Sports app, while non‑subscribers can stream the tournament through a flexible NOW Day pass or a month‑to‑month option with no long‑term contract. A live blog will provide minute‑by‑minute updates for those on the move, and near‑live highlight clips will be available on the Sky Sports app after each round.
Full‑length replays of the final round will be broadcast the Monday after the event, and one‑hour highlight packages will air each evening at 11:00 pm, with a repeat the following morning. Royal Lytham & St Annes, a venue steeped in history, is one of the most iconic courses on the R&A’s roster.
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 hosts the AIG Women’s Open. The layout stretches to 6,601 yards and plays as a par‑71, featuring over 170 pot bunkers that line the fairways and a unique opening par‑three that distinguishes it from other Open venues. The course’s heritage includes legendary champions such as Bobby Jones, who won the first Open held here a century ago, as well as modern greats like Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, and Ernie Els.
British success at Royal Lytham has been notable in recent years. The last two women’s champions at this venue were both from the United Kingdom: Catriona Matthew in 2009 and Georgia Hall in 2018. Earlier winners include Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam and two‑time champion Sherri Steinhauer, underscoring the course’s reputation as a proving ground for elite talent. For viewers seeking the most convenient way to watch, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser to ensure optimal video player performance.
Whether you are a Sky subscriber accessing the broadcast via Sky Sports Golf, the Sky Sports Main Event channel, or the Sky Sports app, or a casual fan opting for the NOW streaming service, the tournament will be readily accessible across devices. Beyond the live action, Sky Sports encourages fans to stay connected via WhatsApp, where they can receive the latest news, videos, feature stories, and expert analysis related to the tournament and other sporting events.
In summary, the AIG Women’s Open promises a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 women’s major season, with a field stacked with defending champions, major winners, and hungry newcomers. Sky Sports’ expanded coverage, including the innovative Featured Groups format, multiple streaming options, and comprehensive highlight packages, ensures that fans worldwide can experience every dramatic swing, putt, and moment of triumph. Whether you are tracking Miyu Yamashita’s historic title defense, cheering on Nelly Korda’s Grand Slam pursuit, or rooting for a home‑grown English hopeful, the tournament offers a compelling narrative that will unfold over the coming days.
Tune in, follow the live blog, and enjoy the rich history and fierce competition that define the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.