Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu have been the dominant forces in women’s major championships this year, but the question remains: can anyone halt their momentum as they head into the AIG Women’s Open this week? For the first time in the history of the sport, two players have secured multiple major titles within a single season. Korda captured the Chevron Championship and the U.S.
Women’s Open, while Ryu added the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and then clinched the Amundi Evian Championship in a dramatic playoff. Both athletes are now eyeing a rare achievement: becoming the first golfer since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three majors in a calendar year.
Ryu, in particular, hopes to match Park’s feat of three consecutive major victories, a milestone that would cement her place among the all‑time greats. The tournament’s first two rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes have paired the two stars together, placing them on the early‑late side of the draw. Korda enters the event as the pre‑tournament favourite, with many observers noting that a win would give her a fourth distinct major and complete a career Grand Slam. "There’s no doubt that this year she [Korda] has become a different character – she seems genuinely happier with herself and is in a great mental place," former champion Trish Johnson told Sky Sports.
"She’s had an incredible season and everything has clicked for her. "Royal Lytham is a course that should suit her style perfectly. When she’s at her best, in my view she is head and shoulders above the field." Korda’s best finish at the AIG Women’s Open to date was a tie for second place in the 2024 edition at St Andrews, a tournament won by Lydia Ko, who also shared a memorable three‑ball with Korda and Ryu that week. Beyond the headline battle, the field features a host of other compelling storylines.
Miyu Yamashita returns as the defending champion after a breakthrough victory at Royal Porthcawl last year. Since that triumph, the Japanese star has added two LPGA Tour titles and now aims to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng in 2011.
"Yamashita is playing superb golf; she finished in the top five at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week, and this course will suit her down to the tee," Johnson added. English hopes are represented by Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, who are both eager to become the first Englishwoman to win a major since Georgia Hall’s victory at this venue. Woad has posted top‑10 finishes in each of her previous two AIG Women’s Open appearances, while Hull was runner‑up in two of the last three editions.
"Hull has already collected five runner‑up finishes in majors, which shows she can go all the way," former major champion Dame Laura Davies said. "I can’t recall a time when she let a lead slip – someone always came along and beat her, but she’s always right there." Davies also praised Woad, noting, "She’s one of my real favourites. I love her calm demeanor and the way she handles the spotlight.
She doesn’t get overly high or low, and on a links course you’ll always face bad breaks. If you manage those better than anyone else, you could be the one holding the trophy." The broadcast team for Sky Sports includes a mix of former players and seasoned commentators, each offering unique insights: - Trish Johnson will provide analysis on Miyu Yamashita’s game. - Richard Kaufman will also focus on Yamashita.
- Christina Kim will discuss Lydia Ko’s prospects. - Catriona Matthew will weigh in on Yamashita again.
- Iona Stephen and Sarah Stirk will each cover Lottie Woad. - Sophie Walker will be the voice for Haeran Ryu. - Jamie Weir will follow Yamashita’s progress.
- Ali Whitaker will spotlight Nelly Korda. - Dame Laura Davies will comment on Minami Katsu and also on Lottie Woad.
- Additional analysts such as Gaby Lopez, Shannon Tan, Hannah Green, Mimi Rhodes, Valentine Delon, Aki Iwai, Allisen Corpuz, Lauren Coughlin, and Brooke Henderson will appear throughout the coverage, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on the field. Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland. This year, the network introduces a new "Featured Groups" segment, offering viewers a deeper look at the tournament’s early action.
The coverage begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full live coverage kicking off at 1 p.m.
Rounds three and four will be broadcast from midday over the weekend, delivering six additional hours of live golf compared with previous years. Fans can follow the tournament live on Sky Sports Golf throughout the week, or they can subscribe to the streaming service that provides unlimited golf and other sports without a contract.
The combination of star power, historic stakes, and a challenging links venue promises an unforgettable week of championship golf, and the debate over who will ultimately lift the AIG Women’s Open trophy is sure to intensify with every round.