This week’s AIG Women’s Open has become the focal point of the golf world, as two of the sport’s brightest stars, Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, continue to dominate the major‑championship circuit. Both have already secured multiple major titles this season, and the question on everyone’s lips is whether either can add another trophy to their impressive collections at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda and Ryu have written history this year. Korda captured the Chevron Championship and then went on to win the U.S.
Women’s Open, while Ryu followed her lead by winning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and clinching the Amundi Evian Championship in a dramatic playoff. Their achievements mark the first time that two players have each won more than one major in a single season, underscoring the extraordinary level of competition they bring to every tournament. Both athletes are now eyeing a rare three‑major season, a feat not accomplished since Inbee Park’s dominant 2013 campaign. Ryu, in particular, hopes to become the first player since Park to win three consecutive majors, a storyline that adds extra intrigue to the upcoming rounds.
The tournament’s opening two rounds have paired the two rivals together in the early‑late draw at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda enters the event as the pre‑tournament favorite, not only because of her recent form but also because a victory would give her a fourth distinct major title, completing the elusive career Grand Slam. Former professional Trish Johnson praised Korda’s transformation over the season, noting that she appears more confident and content, which has translated into consistently stellar performances. Johnson added that the links layout at Lytham should suit Korda’s game, and when she is playing at her best, she is "head and shoulders above everyone else." Korda’s previous best finish at the AIG Women’s Open was a tie for second place in the 2024 edition held at St Andrews, a tournament won by Lydia Ko, who also shared a three‑ball with Ryu that week.
That near‑miss adds an extra layer of motivation for Korda as she seeks to finally claim the title on this historic course. The field also includes defending champion Miyu Yamashita, who captured her first major at Royal Porthcawl last year.
Since that breakthrough, Yamashita has added two LPGA Tour victories to her résumé and is aiming to become the first player to win back‑to‑back Women’s Open titles since Yani Tseng’s 2010‑11 run. Johnson highlighted Yamashita’s recent top‑five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and expressed confidence that the links conditions will play to her strengths. English hopes are represented by Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, both of whom are eager to become the first Englishwoman to win a major since Georgia Hall’s triumph at the same venue. Woad has posted top‑10 finishes in each of her two previous AIG Women’s Open appearances, while Hull has been runner‑up in two of the last three editions.
Dame Laura Davies, a stalwart of women’s golf, praised Hull’s consistency, noting her five runner‑up finishes in majors demonstrate an ability to stay in contention until the final putt. Davies also lauded Woad’s composure, saying she handles pressure with a calm demeanor that could prove decisive on a links course where luck often plays a role. The broadcast schedule promises extensive coverage.
Sky Sports retains exclusive rights in the UK and Ireland, introducing a new "Featured Groups" segment that will begin 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 shown live from midday, offering viewers more than six additional hours of golf compared with previous years.
Beyond the headline names, the tournament boasts a rich tapestry of commentators and analysts who will provide insight throughout the week. Trish Johnson, Richard Kaufman, Christina Kim, Catriona Matthew, Iona Stephen, Sarah Stirk, Sophie Walker, Jamie Weir, Ali Whitaker, and Dame Laura Davies are among the seasoned voices slated to share their expertise. Their assignments range from covering the defending champion Miyu Yamashita to analyzing the performances of rising stars like Lottie Woad and established contenders such as Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu, and Lydia Ko. The AIG Women’s Open has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a relatively low‑profile event to one of the most watched and celebrated tournaments in women’s golf.
This growth is reflected in the increased media attention, expanded broadcast hours, and the depth of talent competing for the title. As the competition unfolds, fans are invited to join the conversation, share predictions, and vote on who they believe will lift the trophy. The interactive element adds a community dimension to the event, allowing supporters to engage directly with the sport they love.
In summary, the AIG Women’s Open promises a thrilling week of golf, featuring a historic showdown between Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, a strong challenge from defending champion Miyu Yamashita, and the hopeful aspirations of English players Lottie Woad and Charley Hull. With comprehensive coverage on Sky Sports Golf and a host of expert analysts providing commentary, viewers can expect an immersive experience that captures the excitement, drama, and skill on display at one of the game’s most prestigious venues.
Who will emerge victorious? Tune in throughout the week to find out, and consider signing up for Sky Sports or a streaming service to watch the action live, contract‑free.