Nelly Korda expressed that a triumph by Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open on home soil would be "great for golf," while she herself is focused on adding another major title to her résumé at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda entered the tournament as the clear favorite, aiming 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 an outstanding swing.
Korda’s victory at the U.S. Women’s Open came by a single stroke over Gaby Lopez and Hull, leaving Hull with a growing list of five runner‑up finishes in major championships. Two of those second‑place results have come at the AIG Women’s Open in the past three years, underscoring Hull’s consistent presence in the final stretch but also highlighting the elusive nature of a first major win.
Ahead of the final major of the year, Hull admitted that the string of near‑misses was painful, noting that England’s last female major champion, Georgia Hall, secured her title back in 2018. Despite the disappointment, Korda praised Hull’s ability to stay in contention so often. "Sometimes it’s 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 relevant and in the hunt." Korda drew a parallel with the men’s game, mentioning Sam Burns, who has repeatedly found himself in contention at majors without yet sealing a victory. "Eventually he will get it. You can’t get discouraged – it has to be encouraging," she added, emphasizing that repeated close calls should fuel confidence rather than doubt. When asked about Hull’s personality and the potential impact of a home‑soil victory, Korda was effusive.
"She’s a great personality, funny and amazing to play with. Winning a major in England would be fantastic for her and for the sport," Korda said. "It would be great for the game of golf." Hull, in turn, described Korda’s season – which already includes four worldwide wins – as "unbelievable" for the sport.
She noted that being world No. 1 brings extra scrutiny and pressure, especially during periods of dominance. Hull emphasized her desire to stay authentic, stating, "I’m at a stage in my career where I’m just going to be myself. If people don’t like it, that’s fine.
If it inspires the next generation, that’s great. No one can force me in any direction; I’ll go where I want to go and be authentic." Hull explained that when she feels she is playing true to herself, it energizes her rather than draining her. "I’ve learned to say yes to the things I genuinely want to do. If that helps grow the game and gets people watching, that’s wonderful," she said, acknowledging the balance between personal fulfillment and broader impact.
Korda’s recent form had been remarkable, with ten straight top‑eight finishes worldwide, until a surprise missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship broke a 34‑event streak of making the cut that had stretched back almost two years. Korda reflected on the Evian result, describing the course as "funky" and insisting she didn’t play badly. "Golf isn’t about being invincible.
Even when you’re playing well, you won’t make every cut or finish in the top ten every week," she said. "There will be weeks when you just don’t have it, and that’s the reality.
I’ve missed enough cuts to know how to bounce back." The American star also recalled her disappointment at last year’s AIG Women’s Open, where she finished runner‑up to Lydia Ko. A win this week would not only secure her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame but also complete the career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a handful of women.
"Whenever I’m in contention at a major and I can smell the title, I get a little emotional," Korda admitted about the narrow miss in 2024. "That’s why we get up early, work on our game mentally and physically, to be in contention." She added that playing well in difficult conditions on a links course like St Andrews was especially motivating. "Being able to compete in that weather and still be in the mix showed me I could contend," Korda said, noting that her previous performances at the Women’s Open had not been her best.
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” package for the first time. Coverage starts at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full live coverage beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing through the weekend for rounds three and four.
Fans can watch the tournament live on Sky Sports Golf or stream via the Sky Sports platform without a contract. In summary, while Korda eyes a historic third major of the season and the chance to cement her legacy, she also hopes to see Hull break through on English soil. Both players recognize that a major victory can have ripple effects far beyond personal achievement, inspiring younger players, attracting new fans, and elevating the profile of women’s golf worldwide.
Whether the trophy ends up in Korda’s hands or Hull’s, the tournament promises high‑quality golf, compelling storylines, and a showcase of the resilience and talent that define the modern women’s game.