The most recent leaderboard from the 50th AIG Women’s Open – the season‑ending major for women’s golf – has been posted, reflecting play at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes course. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to the links with the aim of retaining her title after a dramatic victory at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club last year, where she edged out England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese competitor Minami Katsu by two strokes. Yamashita’s form heading into the tournament has been nothing short of stellar. On the LPGA Tour she captured the Meijer LPGA Classic in June, defeating Lottie Woad in a sudden‑death playoff, and she followed that triumph with a tied‑fifth finish at the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open just a week ago.
The 24‑year‑old now faces a field stacked with talent, most notably world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who stands on the brink of completing a career Grand Slam should she claim her fourth distinct major at Royal Lytham this week.
Home‑grown players Lottie Woad and Charley Hull entered the championship as the British favorites, each hoping to secure her first major. Hull, in particular, has been tantalisingly close to a breakthrough, having finished runner‑up at the U.S. Women’s Open in June – her fifth second‑place finish in a major – and she will be eager to convert that experience into a victory on familiar soil. Royal Lytham & St Annes has a rich history with the AIG Women’s Open.
Georgia Hall lifted the trophy in 2018 when the event returned to the course, following Catriona Matthew’s 2009 triumph. The venue’s classic dunes and firm fairways provide a demanding test that rewards precision and strategic thinking. Weather forecasts suggest a mixed bag of conditions.
The on‑site meteorologist predicts a sunny start on Friday with a slight chance of showers, wind gusts up to 20 mph and temperatures hovering around 20 °C (68 °F). Saturday should be partly cloudy with milder breezes, while Sunday looks set for similar conditions and a gentle wind of 5‑10 mph. Players will need to adapt quickly to any shifts in wind direction and moisture on the greens. A total of 144 competitors have qualified for the championship, representing the world’s elite.
Among them are world No. 2 Jeongeun Lee‑Thitikul and world No. 3 Haeran Ryu, the latter chasing a third major title of the season after winning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June and the Evian Championship in July. Detailed exemption criteria and the full field list are available on the official AIG Women’s Open website.
The tournament schedule begins early, with first‑round tee times slated for 6:30 a.m. on Friday. The second‑round pairings have already been posted, and subsequent tee times will be adjusted based on the number of players who survive the cut.
After 36 holes, the top 65 players and ties will advance to the weekend rounds. Third‑round tee times will be released on Friday night, allowing fans and broadcasters to plan their coverage.
Sky Sports Golf is expanding its live broadcast commitment, offering six additional hours of coverage compared with the previous year. Early action will be shown from 9 a.m.
on Friday, with full first‑ and second‑round coverage beginning at 1 p.m. each day. Weekend play will be aired from noon on Saturday and Sunday, and nightly highlights will be presented at 11 p.m.
on the same channel. Viewers without a Sky Sports subscription can stream the event contract‑free via the NOW platform. The question on everyone’s mind is who will emerge victorious from this demanding week at Royal Lytham & St Annes. With a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and local hopefuls, the competition promises drama, skillful shot‑making, and the occasional weather‑induced twist.
Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the live feed on Sky Sports or stream the tournament online to witness the unfolding story of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open.