Nelly Korda has voiced her belief that a triumph for England's Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open would be a huge boost for the sport, while she herself is focused on adding another major title to her résumé at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda enters the tournament as the clear favorite, poised to equal the record for most majors in a single season after already capturing the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open in a remarkable run. Her victory at the U.S.
Women’s Open was clinched by a single‑stroke margin over Gaby Lopez, and it also left Hull in the runner‑up column for the second time in three years at the AIG Women’s Open. Hull now carries five major runner‑up finishes, a tally that underscores her consistency but also highlights the elusive nature of a first major win. Ahead of what is the final major of the calendar year, Hull admitted that the string of near‑misses has been painful.
She noted that Georgia Hall remains the most recent Englishwoman to win a major, having lifted the trophy in 2018, and expressed admiration for Hull’s ability to stay in contention so often. "Sometimes it’s just about putting yourself in that position to contend," Korda said during her pre‑tournament press conference. "You can’t control what other players do, but Hull is doing something right to keep herself in the mix, to stay relevant, and to be in the hunt." Korda drew a parallel with the men’s game, mentioning Sam Burns, who has frequently been in the mix at majors without yet sealing a victory. "He’ll get there eventually.
You can’t let those close calls discourage you – they should be encouraging," she added. Korda also praised Hull’s personality, calling her a "great personality" and suggesting that a home‑soil win would be "great for the game of golf." She described Hull as an "amazing player with a funny personality" and said she enjoys playing alongside her whenever the opportunity arises. "A win for her on home turf would be fantastic for the sport," Korda concluded. Hull, in turn, lauded Korda’s extraordinary season, which includes four worldwide victories, calling it "unbelievable" for the game.
She acknowledged the extra pressure that comes with being world No. 1 and dominating the sport, but emphasized her desire to stay authentic. "I’m at a point in my career where I’m just going to be myself," Hull said.
"If people don’t like it, that’s fine. If it inspires the next generation, that’s great – that’s what I want. No one can dictate the direction I take; I’ll follow the path that feels true to me." Hull explained that staying true to herself prevents her from feeling drained. "When I’m doing what I enjoy, it energises me.
If saying ‘yes’ to something helps grow the game and draws viewers, that’s wonderful, but I’ve learned to prioritize what feels right for me," she added. Korda’s consistency has been staggering: she logged ten straight top‑eight finishes worldwide until a surprising missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship earlier this month, ending a 34‑event streak of making the cut that spanned almost two years. Reflecting on the Evian result, Korda described the course as "funky" and admitted that even a solid round didn’t guarantee a cut. "Golf isn’t about invincibility.
You can play well and still miss a cut. There will be weeks when you just don’t have it, and that’s the reality," she said. "I’ve missed enough cuts to know that bouncing back is part of the game." Last year’s AIG Women’s Open saw Korda finish runner‑up to Lydia Ko, and a victory this week would not only secure her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame but also complete the career Grand Slam. "Whenever I’m in contention at a major and I can smell the title, it gets emotional," Korda admitted about the narrow miss in 2024.
She explained that the early mornings, mental preparation, and physical work are all part of the grind to stay in contention. She reflected on her previous struggles at the Women’s Open, noting that her performances at St Andrews had not been her best. "Playing in that weather and still being in contention on a links course was motivating because it proved I could compete," Korda said.
The experience reinforced her belief that she belongs among the elite, even when conditions are tough. The broadcast rights for the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland remain with Sky Sports, which is offering an expanded "Featured Groups" coverage for the first time.
Viewers can expect six additional hours of live action, with the Featured Groups segment kicking off 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.
Sky Sports encourages fans to watch the tournament throughout the week and consider a subscription or streaming option without a contract. In summary, Korda’s confidence in Hull’s potential to win at home reflects a broader sentiment that a home‑grown champion would invigorate women's golf in England and beyond. While Korda herself is chasing a historic third major of the season and a career Grand Slam, both players embody the competitive spirit and resilience that define modern women's golf. Their mutual respect and candid reflections on pressure, authenticity, and the ups and downs of professional play add depth to the narrative surrounding this year’s AIG Women’s Open, promising fans an exciting showdown on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes.