The climax of the women's major season arrives this week with the AIG Women's Open, and Sky Sports is delivering its most comprehensive live broadcast of the event to date from the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes. The tournament, now in its sixth edition at this storied venue, promises drama, history and a chance for several top players to cement their legacies.
Defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to Royal Lytham after her breakthrough victory at Royal Porthcawl last year. The Japanese star is aiming to become the first player since Yani Tseng in 2011 to win back‑to‑back AIG Women’s Opens, a feat that would underline her rapid rise in the LPGA ranks. Yamashita’s precise ball‑striking and calm composure have already earned her a reputation as a clutch performer, and she will be keen to repeat her success on the demanding 6,601‑yard, par‑71 layout that features more than 170 pot bunkers and a unique opening par‑three.
American Nelly Korda enters the tournament as the pre‑event favorite. She has already captured two majors this season – the Chevron Championship and the U.S.
Women’s Open – and a victory at Lytham would not only give her a third major in 2026 but also secure her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame and complete the career Grand Slam. Korda’s powerful swing and aggressive approach have made her a dominant force, and she will be looking to maintain her momentum against a field that includes several other major contenders.
Thai prodigy Haeran Ryu, fresh from wins at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship, is chasing a third consecutive major title. Ryu’s consistency and mental toughness have already placed her among the sport’s elite, and a third straight major would be a remarkable achievement. Meanwhile, rising stars Jeongeun Lee (often referred to as Jeeno Thitikul) and Hyojoo Kim are also in the mix, each hoping to add a major to their résumés. British hope Charley Hull, who narrowly missed out on the title in 2025 when Yamashita edged her out, is back with a point to prove.
Alongside her, Lottie Woad is eager to become the first Englishwoman to win a major since Georgia Hall’s triumph in 2018. Both Hull and Woad view this tournament as a pivotal moment in their careers and a chance to inspire the next generation of English golfers. The event also carries extra significance for European players, as it marks the final leg of the qualification campaign for the Solheim Cup team that will compete in September. Performances at Royal Lytham could be decisive in determining the composition of the European squad, adding another layer of intensity to the competition.
Sky Sports is expanding its coverage like never before. For the first time, the network will offer "Featured Groups" coverage, allowing viewers to follow multiple groups of players simultaneously. Live action from all four rounds will be broadcast, with the final day – Sunday, August 2, at 12 pm – presented live in its entirety. In addition, one‑hour highlight reels will be shown each evening at 11 pm and repeated the following morning, while a full replay of the final round will be available on the Monday after the tournament.
Fans can access the coverage through several platforms. Sky Sports Golf will carry the primary feed, with additional slots on Sky Sports Main Event throughout the week.
Subscribers can also stream via the Sky Sports app, and non‑subscribers have the option to watch without a long‑term contract using a NOW Day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month subscription. For those on the move, a dedicated live blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates, and near‑live clips and post‑round highlights are available for free on the Sky Sports app.
The venue itself is steeped in golf history. Royal Lytham & St Annes has hosted The Open Championship eleven times, serving as a two‑time Ryder Cup venue and the site of the tournament’s centenary celebration in 2025, when Bobby Jones lifted the Claret Jug for the first time. Legendary champions such as Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros (twice), David Duval and Ernie Els have all triumphed on these fairways. The course’s unique characteristics – a demanding layout that begins with a par‑three, a sea‑sprayed atmosphere, and a relentless barrage of bunkers – make it a true test of skill and strategy.
British players have enjoyed recent success at Royal Lytham, with Hall (2018) and Catriona Matthew (2009) both capturing the title. Past champions like Sherri Steinhauer and Annika Sörenstam have also found the course to their liking, adding to the venue’s allure for current competitors.
For viewers seeking the best viewing experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser to access a more accessible video player. In addition, fans can follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time news, videos, features and analysis throughout the tournament week. Whether you are a die‑hard fan tracking the Solheim Cup race, a supporter of a favorite major contender, or simply a golf enthusiast eager to witness world‑class competition on a historic course, Sky Sports provides the most extensive live coverage of the AIG Women’s Open ever offered. Tune in for the drama, the skill, and the unforgettable moments that define women’s golf at its highest level.