Nelly Korda and Haerin Ryu have been the standout performers in this year’s women’s majors, but can anyone halt their march toward another victory at the upcoming AIG Women’s Open? This tournament marks a historic moment: for the first time ever two players have each captured multiple majors in a single season. Korda secured the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, while Ryu added the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and clinched the Amundi Evian Championship in a dramatic playoff.
Both athletes are now eyeing a third major title before the calendar year ends, a feat last achieved by Inbee Park in 2013. Ryu, in particular, hopes to match Park’s remarkable run of three consecutive majors, while Korda is chasing a career Grand Slam, needing a fourth distinct major to complete the set. The opening two rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes have paired the two rivals together, positioned on the early‑late side of the draw. Korda enters the competition as the clear pre‑tournament favourite, with many pundits believing the links layout suits her aggressive yet composed style.
As former professional Trish Johnson told Sky Sports, “There’s no question that this year she’s a different character – she seems happier with herself and is in a good place. She’s had a stunning season and everything has been working perfectly for her. It will be an interesting week because this course should suit her. When she’s at her best, in my opinion, she’s head and shoulders above everyone else.” 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 three‑ball with Korda and Ryu that week.
The upcoming Open offers Korda the chance to add a fourth major to her résumé and move a step closer to that elusive Grand Slam. Meanwhile, defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to Royal Lytham after a breakthrough win at Royal Porthcawl last year. Since that triumph, the Japanese star has captured two LPGA Tour titles and is aiming to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng in 2011.
Johnson praised Yamashita’s form, noting her recent top‑five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and her comfort with the links layout. British hopes rest with Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, who both aspire to become the first English player to win a women’s major since Georgia Hall’s victory at the Open. Woad has posted top‑10 finishes in each of 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 lauded Woad’s temperament, adding, “She’s very calm and handling the limelight really well. She doesn’t get too up or too down, and on a links course you’ll face some bad breaks.
If you can manage those better than anyone else, you might be the one standing with the trophies.” The broadcast schedule promises extensive coverage. Sky Sports remains the exclusive UK and Ireland home of the AIG Women’s Open, introducing a new "Featured Groups" segment that will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full coverage kicking off at 1 p.m. Live action from the third and fourth rounds will start at midday over the weekend, delivering six additional hours of live golf compared with previous years.
Beyond the headline players, a host of analysts will share their insights throughout the week. Trish Johnson, Richard Kaufman, Christina Kim, Catriona Matthew, Iona Stephen, Sarah Stirk, Sophie Walker, Jamie Weir, Ali Whitaker, and others will be on‑air, offering predictions and commentary on the field.
Their expertise adds depth to the coverage, helping viewers understand the nuances of each contender’s game and the challenges posed by the historic links course. For fans eager to tune in, the tournament can be watched live on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available for those who prefer to watch without a contract.
The combination of elite talent, historic stakes, and comprehensive broadcasting makes this week’s AIG Women’s Open one of the most compelling events on the women’s golf calendar. Will Korda finally seal her Grand Slam, or will Ryu continue her dominant streak and join the ranks of Inbee Park? Can Miyu Yamashita repeat her major‑winning form and become the first back‑to‑back champion in over a decade?
Or will an English hopeful like Lottie Woad or Charley Hull break through and claim the title for the home crowd? The answers will unfold over the next several days at Royal Lytham & St Annes, and Sky Sports will be there to bring every swing, putt, and dramatic moment straight to viewers. Stay tuned, join the conversation, and share your own predictions as the battle for the AIG Women’s Open reaches its climax.