Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu have been the standout performers in this year’s women’s major championships, but the question now is which of them, if either, will be able to extend their dominance at the AIG Women’s Open this week. For the first time in the history of the LPGA, two players have each captured more than one major in a single season. Korda secured the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, while Ryu followed her triumph at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with a dramatic playoff win at the Amundi Evian Championship.
Both athletes are eyeing a historic third major this calendar year, a feat not achieved since Inbee Park’s three‑major sweep in 2013. Ryu, in particular, hopes to match Park’s run of three consecutive major titles.
The tournament’s opening two rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes have paired the two stars together, placed on the early‑late side of the draw. Korda enters as the pre‑tournament favourite, with a chance to secure a fourth distinct major and complete the coveted career Grand Slam.
"There’s no doubt that this year she [Korda] has become a different character – she appears far more comfortable in her own skin and seems to be in a great mental place," veteran golfer Trish Johnson told Sky Sports. "Her season has been spectacular and everything has clicked for her. "Royal Lytham is a course that should suit her game perfectly. When she’s playing at her absolute best, I would say she’s head and shoulders above the rest of the field." Korda’s best finish at the AIG Women’s Open to date was a tie for second place in the 2024 edition at St Andrews, where Lydia Ko claimed the title and formed a memorable three‑ball with Korda and Ryu.
The broadcast will be available without a contract through Sky Sports’ streaming platform, offering a flexible way to follow the action. --- **AIG Women’s Open preview and schedule** The 2026 major calendar places the AIG Women’s Open in early August, following the LPGA’s spring swing and preceding the season‑ending championships.
Key dates for the majors this year are: * Chevron Championship – March 26‑29 * KPMG Women’s PGA Championship – May 21‑24 * Amundi Evian Championship – July 8‑11 * AIG Women’s Open – August 6‑9 The tournament has grown dramatically in stature and viewership, with a noticeable rise in global interest and prize money. --- **Defending champion Miyu Yamashita** Japan’s Miyu Yamashita returns as the defending champion after her breakthrough win at Royal Porthcawl last year. Since then she has added two LPGA Tour victories and is aiming to become the first player to win back‑to‑back women’s majors since Yani Tseng’s consecutive titles in 2011. "Yamashita is playing superb golf; she finished in the top five at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week, and this links‑style course will suit her strengths perfectly," Johnson added.
--- **English hopes: Lottie Woad and Charley Hull** Home‑grown hopes are embodied by Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, who are both targeting the first English win at a women’s major since Georgia Hall’s triumph at the same venue. Woad has posted top‑10 finishes in each of her last two AIG Women’s Open appearances, while Hull was runner‑up in two of the past three editions.
"Hull has already collected five runner‑up finishes in majors, which shows she can consistently get into contention," former major champion Dame Laura Davies said. "She’s never let a lead slip away; someone else always steps up at the last moment." Davies also praised Woad, noting, "I consider her one of my real favourites. She plays with calm composure and handles the spotlight exceptionally well. On a links course you’ll encounter bad breaks – if you manage them better than anyone else, you could be the one holding the trophy." --- **Broadcast details** Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland.
This year, the network introduces a new "Featured Groups" segment, which will start at 9 am on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage from 1 pm. The final two rounds will be shown live from midday on the weekend.
Fans can watch every round live on Sky Sports Golf or stream via the Sky Sports app without a long‑term contract, providing flexible access to the tournament. --- **Who will emerge as champion?** With Korda, Ryu, Yamashita, Hull and Woad all in contention, the AIG Women’s Open promises a thrilling battle of skill, experience and mental fortitude. Whether a seasoned major winner will add another trophy to her collection or a rising star will seize the moment, the competition is set to deliver unforgettable moments for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Stay tuned throughout the week for live coverage, expert analysis and fan commentary, and join the conversation to share your own predictions on who will ultimately lift the AIG Women’s Open trophy.