The climax of this year’s women’s major season arrives this week with the AIG Women’s Open, and Sky Sports is delivering its most extensive live coverage to date from the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes. The tournament promises high drama as the field includes defending champion Miyu Yamashita, who is aiming to become the first back‑to‑back winner of the Open since Yani Tseng’s triumphs in 2010 and 2011. Yamashita’s 2023 breakthrough at Royal Porthcawl set the stage for a compelling title defense, and she will be looking to repeat her success on the challenging links layout.
Among the favorites, American star Nelly Korda enters the Open with a strong case for a third major of the season. Having already secured victories at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, a win at Royal Lytham would not only cement her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame but also complete the coveted career Grand Slam. Korda’s powerful game and composure under pressure make her a formidable contender, and fans will be watching closely to see if she can add another trophy to her résumé.
Another storyline centers on Haonan Ryu, who captured both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship earlier this year. Ryu is now on the cusp of a third consecutive major title, a feat that would place her among the elite in women’s golf history. Alongside her, rising talents such as Jeongeun “Jeeno” Thitikul and seasoned campaigner Hyojoo Kim are also in the mix, each eager to claim their first Open victory. On the home front, England’s own Charley Hull and Lottie Woad are hoping to break a long drought for Englishwomen in major championships.
The last English player to win a major was Georgia Hall at the 2018 Women’s Open, and Hull and Woad will be looking to become the next name on that list. Their performances also carry weight for the upcoming Solheim Cup, as this tournament marks the final opportunity for players to earn points toward selection for Europe’s team in September.
Sky Sports has announced a suite of new viewing options for the event. For the first time, the network will provide "Featured Groups" coverage, allowing viewers to follow specific player groups throughout the four rounds. Live action from all four days will be broadcast, with a dedicated schedule that includes a live feed of the final round on Sunday, August 2, at 12 p.m.
In addition, one‑hour highlight reels will be available each evening at 11 p.m., with repeat broadcasts the following morning. The entire final round will also be replayed in full on the Monday after the tournament, ensuring that fans who miss the live broadcast can still experience every crucial moment.
The venue itself, Royal Lytham & St Annes, is one of the most iconic courses in the R&A’s portfolio. It has hosted The Open Championship eleven times and served as a Ryder Cup venue on two occasions. This year’s Women’s Open will be the sixth time the course has staged the event. The layout measures 6,601 yards and plays as a par‑71, featuring over 170 pot bunkers that line the fairways and a distinctive opening par‑three hole – a unique characteristic among Open venues.
The course’s rich history includes the 100th anniversary of its first Open, won by the legendary Bobby Jones, and a roll call of champions such as Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, David Duval, and Ernie Els. British players have enjoyed recent success at Royal Lytham, with the last two Open champions being home‑grown: Catriona Matthew in 2009 and Georgia Hall in 2018.
Past winners like Sherri Steinhauer, who claimed the title twice, and Annika Sörenstam have also found the links to their liking, adding to the venue’s reputation as a place where both seasoned veterans and emerging talents can thrive. For viewers, Sky Sports offers multiple platforms to watch the tournament. Sky customers can tune in via Sky Sports Golf or Sky Sports Main Event, while the Sky Sports app provides on‑the‑go access.
Non‑Sky subscribers have the option to stream the coverage without a long‑term contract through a NOW Day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month plan. A dedicated live blog will run throughout the week, delivering minute‑by‑minute updates for those on the move, and near‑live clips as well as post‑round highlights will be available for free on the Sky Sports app.
Additional services include Sky iD assistance for account management and a searchable course booking tool that lets fans find tee times at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland. By combining comprehensive live broadcasts, flexible streaming options, and supplemental content, Sky Sports aims to make the AIG Women’s Open the most accessible and engaging major of the season for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether you are rooting for the defending champion, tracking the quest for a career Grand Slam, or cheering on a home‑grown hopeful, the tournament promises a week of high‑stakes golf, historic moments, and unforgettable drama. Tune in to Sky Sports to experience every swing, putt, and triumph as the AIG Women’s Open unfolds on the storied links of Royal Lytham & St Annes.