Nelly Korda has voiced her belief that a win for Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open, especially on home soil, would be a major boost for the sport of golf. While she applauds Hull’s consistent contention, Korda herself is focused on adding another major title to her résumé at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Entering the tournament, Korda is the clear favourite to secure a record-tying third major of the season.
She has already lifted the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, showcasing an extraordinary run that has placed her at the forefront of the LPGA. Her victory at the U.S.
Open was especially dramatic, a one‑stroke triumph over Gaby Lopez and Charley Hull. That win marked Hull’s fifth runner‑up finish in a major, including two recent near‑misses at the AIG Women’s Open, leaving her still searching for that elusive first major championship.
Hull recently reflected on the emotional toll of repeatedly falling just short. She noted that it “hurts” to experience so many near‑victories, especially when the last Englishwoman to win a major was Georgia Hall in 2018.
Despite the disappointment, Korda praised Hull for consistently putting herself in a position to compete. “It’s about getting yourself into that contention zone,” Korda said in her pre‑tournament press conference.
“You can’t control what others are doing, but Hull is doing something right to stay relevant and always be in the hunt.” Korda drew a parallel with the men’s game, mentioning Sam Burns, who has frequently been in contention at majors without yet capturing a title. “He will get there eventually. You can’t let setbacks discourage you; they should be encouraging,” she added.
Korda believes that Hull winning at the Open would be “great for the game of golf” and would give the sport a much‑needed narrative boost. Hull, in turn, described Korda’s season as “unbelievable”, noting that the world No.1 has amassed four worldwide victories this year. She highlighted the added pressure that comes with dominance, but also emphasized the importance of staying authentic.
“I’m at a stage in my career where I just want to be myself,” Hull said. “If people don’t like it, that’s fine.
If it inspires the next generation, that’s what matters.” She continued, “No one can dictate the direction I take. I will follow the path that feels right to me, and if that helps grow the game and draws viewers, that’s a bonus.” Korda had enjoyed a remarkable streak of ten consecutive top‑eight finishes worldwide before a surprising missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship earlier this month, ending a 34‑event cut‑making run that spanned nearly two years. She was candid about the Evian result, describing the course as “funky” and acknowledging that even when you play well, you are not invincible. “Golf is a sport where you can have weeks where nothing clicks.
I’ve missed enough cuts to know that the key is how quickly you bounce back,” she explained. Last year, Korda fell just short at the AIG Women’s Open, finishing runner‑up to Lydia Ko. A victory this week would not only cement her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame but also complete the career Grand Slam—a feat achieved by only a handful of players. “Whenever I’m in contention at a major and I can smell the title, I get a little emotional,” Korda admitted about her 2024 near‑miss.
“That’s why we rise early, grind on our game mentally and physically, and keep pushing for that win.” She also reflected on her previous struggles at the Open, noting that the harsh weather and links conditions at St Andrews had previously hampered her performance. This year, however, she feels motivated by the prospect of contending in such conditions, believing that the experience proves she can compete at the highest level on any course. Beyond the players’ narratives, the tournament itself is receiving expanded coverage in the UK and Ireland. Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open, introducing a new "Featured Groups" segment that will start at 9 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m. The weekend will feature live broadcasts of the third and fourth rounds beginning at midday, providing six additional hours of live action compared with previous years.
The broader context of the 2026 major schedule underscores the significance of this event. With key dates spread throughout the season, the Women’s Open stands as the final major of the year, offering a decisive moment for players like Korda and Hull to shape their legacies. The tournament has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a modest event to a globally recognized championship that attracts the sport’s biggest names and the most passionate fans.
In summary, Korda sees a Hull victory as a catalyst for growing interest in women's golf, especially in England where the sport is eager for a home champion. Hull, meanwhile, remains determined to break through, drawing inspiration from Korda’s success while staying true to her own authentic style.
As the competition unfolds at Royal Lytham & St Annes, viewers can expect high‑stakes drama, world‑class golf, and the potential for history to be written on the links.