Charley Hull has been quick to minimise any sense of a personal rivalry with world number one Nelly Korda as she prepares for the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The English golfer, currently ranked seventh globally, acknowledges that watching Korda dominate the sport has been both inspiring and a little painful, especially given Hull’s own string of close calls in major championships.
Hull’s career to date includes two runner‑up finishes at the AIG Women’s Open over the past three years, and five second‑place finishes in majors overall – a tally that underscores how often she has been on the brink of a breakthrough without quite crossing the finish line. In a pre‑tournament press conference, Hull made it clear that she does not view Korda as a rival at this moment. "No offence to Nelly, she already has several majors and I have none," Hull said, smiling.
"I’ve collected five runner‑up spots. Let me get my first major first, and then we can talk about rivalry later." She praised Korda’s game, calling her performances "unbelievable" and noting that Korda’s style of play is a joy to watch.
Hull’s comments reflect both admiration for the American’s achievements and a personal determination to finally capture the elusive major title that has so often slipped through her fingers. Hull’s frustration is understandable.
In June she finished second to Korda at the U.S. Women’s Open, adding another near‑miss to her résumé. That result marked her only top‑15 finish in her last seven starts, a stretch that also included a disappointing tied‑44th at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, where a quadruple‑bogey nine on the opening day highlighted the fine margins that can separate triumph from disappointment. Hull recounted the incident, noting that a misplaced pin forced her to attempt a birdie putt from an awkward position, ultimately leading to a nine on the hole.
"It was a human error," she said, "the pin was a yard off the slope, and I ended up with a ten‑foot putt for birdie that turned into a nine. Even the world number one can make a nine." Despite those setbacks, Hull remains optimistic and focused on the task ahead. She recalled the feeling of walking past the trophy display on the first day of the previous year’s Open and thinking, "I wish that was me." That image fuels her ambition to stand on that podium this week.
The AIG Women’s Open, historically one of the most prestigious events on the women’s calendar, offers Hull a familiar stage where she has previously come close to victory. The tournament’s links setting at Royal Lytham & St Annes is known for its challenging wind, deep bunkers, and unpredictable bounces – conditions that test even the most seasoned players.
Joining Hull in the conversation about British hopes is Lottie Woad, the highest‑ranked Englishwoman in the field and a former world No.5 who also dreams of a major win. Woad, who has posted top‑10 finishes in her last two appearances at the Open, spoke passionately about the significance of a British victory on home soil. "For any British player, winning at Royal Lytham would be the dream," she said. "I love links golf; it’s tricky, it demands luck with the wind and the bounces, but that makes it special." Woad also highlighted the growing depth of talent in British and English women’s golf, noting that many of her friends are on the cusp of turning professional or are concluding successful amateur careers.
She believes the sport is in a strong position domestically and looks forward to the upcoming Solheim Cup, where Europe will debut a fresh lineup in September. The broadcast landscape for the tournament has also expanded. Sky Sports retains exclusive rights in the UK and Ireland, but for the first time it will feature a "Featured Groups" segment, providing additional live coverage and analysis.
The new format begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, with full coverage kicking off at 1 p.m., and continues with live rounds three and four over the weekend.
Fans can also stream the event without a contract, ensuring broader access to the competition. As the week unfolds, the question on everyone’s mind is who will finally break through and claim the coveted Claret Jug. Hull hopes to turn her series of near‑misses into a historic victory, while Korda aims for a fifth major title of the season, further cementing her status as the sport’s dominant force.
The blend of seasoned contenders, rising British talent, and the unpredictable nature of links golf promises a thrilling showdown at one of the game’s most iconic venues. Whether Hull finally secures her major or Korda continues her remarkable run, the AIG Women’s Open is set to deliver drama, skill, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.