Nelly Korda has voiced her belief that a victory for Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open would be a major boost for the sport, 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 a spectacular run. Her triumph at the U.S.

Women’s Open came by a single‑stroke margin over Gaby Lopez, and it marked yet another close finish for Hull, who now holds five runner‑up finishes in major championships – two of them at the AIG Women’s Open in the past three years – but has yet to break through for the coveted first major win. Ahead of the final major of the season, 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 consistency and her ability to stay in contention week after week.

"Sometimes it’s just about putting yourself in that position to contend," Korda told reporters in a pre‑tournament press conference. "You can’t control what other players are doing, but Hull is doing something right – she’s constantly there, she’s relevant, and she’s always in the hunt." Korda drew a parallel with Sam Burns on the men’s side, who has repeatedly found himself in the mix at majors without yet sealing a victory. "He’ll get there eventually.

The key is not to get discouraged – it should be encouraging," she added. The American also highlighted Hull’s personality, saying that a win on home soil would be a wonderful story for the game. "She’s a fantastic player with a great sense of humor.

I love playing with her whenever I can. A home‑soil major would be fantastic for her and for golf as a whole," Korda remarked. Hull, in turn, described Korda’s whirlwind season – which includes four worldwide victories – as "unbelievable" and acknowledged the extra pressure that comes with being world No.

1 during such dominant stretches. Hull emphasized the importance of staying true to herself, regardless of public opinion or external expectations.

"I’m at a point in my career where I just want to be myself," Hull said. "If people don’t like it, that’s fine. If it inspires the next generation, even better – that’s what I hope for. No one can force me in any direction; I’ll follow my own path and stay authentic.

When I try to be something I’m not, it drains my battery. Now I’ve figured out what I enjoy and what I’m willing to say yes to. If that helps grow the game and draws viewers, that’s great, but it’s a lesson I’ve had to learn." Korda’s consistency had been remarkable, with ten straight top‑eight finishes worldwide until a surprising missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship earlier this month, which ended a 34‑event streak of making the cut that spanned nearly two years. She reflected on the Evian result with characteristic humility.

"Evian is just a funky golf course," Korda said. "Honestly, I didn’t play that badly. Golf is a game – just because you’re playing well doesn’t make you invincible. You won’t make every cut or finish in the top ten every week.

Some weeks you just don’t have it, and that’s the reality. I’ve been around long enough to miss enough cuts that it’s all about the bounce‑back." Last year’s AIG Women’s Open saw Korda finish runner‑up to Lydia Ko, and a win this week would not only cement her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame but also complete the career Grand Slam. She admitted that being in contention at a major can be an emotional experience, especially when the title slips away.

"Whenever I’m close to a major and I can smell the victory, I get a little emotional," Korda confessed about the narrow miss in 2024. "That’s why we get up early, grind on our game mentally and physically, and keep fighting for those chances. The disappointment at St Andrews hurt, but playing well in tough conditions on a links course reminded me that I can contend." The broadcast rights for the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland remain with Sky Sports, which is offering an expanded coverage package.

For the first time, the tournament will feature "Featured Groups" coverage starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage from 1 p.m.

The weekend rounds will be shown live from midday, adding six extra hours of live golf to the schedule. Fans can follow the action throughout the week on Sky Sports Golf, or stream the tournament without a contract via the platform’s golf and sports offering.

The question on everyone’s mind remains: will Charley Hull finally break her major drought on home turf, or will Nelly Korda add another trophy to her already impressive collection and secure the career Grand Slam? The drama promises to unfold over the next several days, delivering compelling storylines for players, supporters, and the broader golf community alike.