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, if either, will be able to extend their winning streak at the AIG Women’s Open this week. This tournament marks a historic moment, as it is the first occasion in which two players have each secured multiple major titles in a single season. Korda captured the Chevron Championship and the U.S.
Women’s Open, while Ryu added the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to her résumé and then triumphed in a dramatic playoff at the Amundi Evian Championship. Both athletes are chasing a rare achievement: becoming the first golfer since Inbee Park in 2013 to capture three majors within a calendar year. Ryu, in particular, hopes to match Park’s feat of three consecutive major victories, a benchmark that would cement her status among the sport’s elite.
The opening two rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes have paired the two stars together in the early‑late half of the draw, with Korda entering the event as the pre‑tournament favorite. She is also eyeing a fourth distinct major title, which would complete a career Grand Slam—a milestone that has eluded her thus far.
"There’s no doubt that this year she [Korda] has become a different character – she looks genuinely happier with herself and seems to be in a great mental place," former tour professional Trish Johnson told Sky Sports. "She’s had an astonishing season and everything has clicked for her.
The course at Lytham should suit her game perfectly. When she’s at her absolute best, in my view she stands head and shoulders above the rest of the field." Korda’s best finish at the AIG Women’s Open came earlier this year when she tied for second at the 2024 edition held at St Andrews, a tournament that was won by Lydia Ko. That same week, Ko formed part of a memorable three‑ball with Korda and Ryu, underscoring the depth of talent in the current women’s game. Beyond the two American stars, several other contenders have generated buzz.
Miyu Yamashita returns as the defending champion after breaking through at Royal Porthcawl last year. Since that victory, the Japanese player has added two LPGA Tour wins to her résumé and now aims to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major champion since Yani Tseng accomplished the feat in 2011. "She [Yamashita] is playing superbly – she posted a top‑five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week and this links layout will suit her game down to the tee," Johnson added, highlighting Yamashita’s recent form. On the home front, England’s Lottie Woad and Charley Hull are leading the charge for a potential first English major winner since Georgia Hall’s triumph at the same venue.
Woad has recorded top‑10 finishes in each of her previous two AIG Women’s Open appearances, while Hull has been runner‑up in two of the last three editions, demonstrating remarkable consistency. "She [Hull] has amassed five runner‑up finishes in majors, which is impressive and shows she can go all the way," former champion Dame Laura Davies commented. "I can’t recall a time when she let a lead slip away without a strong challenger emerging." Davies also praised Woad’s composure: "I’d put her up there as one of my real favourites.
I love her calm demeanor and the way she handles the spotlight. She doesn’t get overly high or low, and on a links course you’ll inevitably face some bad breaks. If you manage those better than anyone else, you could be the one standing with the trophy." The broadcast team for Sky Sports has been announced, featuring a mix of former players and seasoned commentators. Trish Johnson will provide analysis for Miyu Yamashita, while Richard Kaufman and Christina Kim will cover Yamashita and Lydia Ko respectively.
Catriona Matthew, Iona Stephen, Sarah Stirk, Sophie Walker, Jamie Weir, Ali Whitaker, and other experts will rotate through the coverage, offering insights on players such as Lottie Woad, Haeran Ryu, Nelly Korda, Minami Katsu, Gaby Lopez, Shannon Tan, Hannah Green, Mimi Rhodes, Valentine Delon, Aki Iwai, Allisen Corpuz, Lauren Coughlin, and Brooke Henderson. Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
For the first time, the network will provide "Featured Groups" coverage, beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m. The weekend rounds—third and fourth—will be shown live from midday onward, delivering an unprecedented six additional hours of live golf compared with previous years.
Fans can follow the tournament live throughout the week on Sky Sports Golf, or stream the action via the Sky Sports platform with a flexible, contract‑free subscription. The event promises high drama, with the world’s top female golfers vying for a historic third major win, a possible career Grand Slam, and the chance to etch their names into the annals of women’s golf history.