Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu have been the dominant forces in women’s major championships this year, but the question now is which of them can continue their winning streak at the AIG Women’s Open this week. For the first time in the history of the LPGA, two players have captured multiple majors in a single season.
Korda secured victories at 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 eyeing a historic third major this calendar year, a feat not achieved since Inbee Park’s triple‑major run in 2013. Ryu, in particular, hopes to mirror Park’s three‑consecutive‑major achievement.
The tournament’s opening rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes have paired the two stars together, placing them on the early‑late side of the draw. Korda enters as the pre‑tournament favorite, with many observers noting that a fourth distinct major would complete a career Grand Slam for her.
"There’s no question that this year she [Korda] has been a different character – she certainly seems happier in herself and is in a good place," former tour professional Trish Johnson told Sky Sports. "She has had a stunning season and everything has been working perfectly for her.
It will be an interesting week because this is a golf course that should suit her. When she is at her very best, in my opinion she is head and shoulders above everyone else." Korda’s best finish at the AIG Women’s Open came last year when she tied for second at St Andrews, a tournament won by Lydia Ko, who also shared a memorable three‑ball with Ryu that week. The current edition promises even more intrigue, with a host of other contenders adding depth to the field.
Miyu Yamashita returns as the defending champion after a breakthrough win at Royal Porthcawl the previous season. Since then, the Japanese star has added two LPGA Tour titles to her résumé and aims to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng’s 2011 double. Johnson praised Yamashita’s recent form, noting her top‑five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and how the links layout of Royal Lytham is well‑suited to her game.
English hopes rest on Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, who both aspire to become the first English player to win a women’s major at this venue since Georgia Hall’s triumph. Woad has recorded top‑10 finishes in her last two AIG Women’s Open appearances, while Hull has been runner‑up in two of the past three editions. Dame Laura Davies highlighted Hull’s consistency, saying, "She has had five runner‑up finishes in majors, which is brilliant and shows she can go down the stretch. I don’t remember her ever letting them go; someone always came and beat her." Davies also expressed confidence in Woad, describing her as calm under pressure and adept at handling the spotlight.
"She doesn’t get too up and doesn’t get too down, and on a links course you’ll inevitably face some bad breaks. If you can manage those better than anyone else, you might be the one standing with the trophies." The broadcast team for Sky Sports includes a mix of former players and commentators offering insight throughout the week. Trish Johnson will provide analysis of Miyu Yamashita’s game, while Richard Kaufman and Christina Kim will weigh in on Ko and other contenders. Catriona Matthew, Iona Stephen, Sarah Stirk, Sophie Walker, Jamie Weir, Ali Whitaker, and Dame Laura Davies will all contribute their perspectives on the various competitors, from rising talents like Lottie Woad to seasoned veterans such as Brooke Henderson and Minami Katsu.
Sky Sports remains the exclusive home of the AIG Women’s Open in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This year’s coverage introduces a new "Featured Groups" segment, which begins at 9 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m. The weekend rounds will be broadcast live from midday, offering viewers a total of six additional hours of live action compared with previous years. Beyond the on‑course drama, the tournament highlights several broader storylines. The rise of women’s golf continues to attract new fans, with streaming options now available without a long‑term contract.
Viewers can watch the event live on Sky Sports Golf or stream via the platform’s flexible subscription model. The tournament also serves as a showcase for the evolving global nature of the sport, featuring players from the United States, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, England, and beyond. In summary, the AIG Women’s Open promises a compelling blend of seasoned champions, hungry newcomers, and national pride. Whether Korda will secure her career Grand Slam, Ryu will match Inbee Park’s three‑major feat, Yamashita will defend her title, or an English hopeful will break through, the competition is set to deliver high‑quality golf and unforgettable moments.
Fans are encouraged to tune in throughout the week, follow the live leaderboards, and join the conversation about who will ultimately lift the coveted trophy at Royal Lytham & St Annes.