Can Korda Add Another Major to Her Record at the AIG Women’s Open?

As the 50th edition of the AIG Women’s Open approaches, golf fans can tune in to Sky Sports for a weekend that promises high drama, historic stakes, and a chance for several players to cement their legacies. The tournament, set against the iconic dunes of Royal Lytham & St Annes, will feature a field packed with talent, but two names dominate the conversation: Nelly Korda and Charley Hull. Both are eager to claim a major title, yet the broader storyline stretches far beyond a single victory, encompassing record‑breaking feats, Hall of Fame aspirations, and the ever‑present quest for a career Grand Slam. ### A Season Defined by Dual Dominance The 2026 LPGA calendar has been unusually concentrated, with just two women shouldering the bulk of major success.

Nelly Korda, the American star, captured the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, while South Korea’s Hae‑Ran Ryu secured wins at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship. This unprecedented pairing marks the first time in LPGA history that two players have each claimed multiple majors in the same season.

Their parallel runs have set up a compelling rivalry: each athlete now has a realistic shot at matching the all‑time record for most major victories in a single year. ### The Exclusive Club of Triple‑Major Winners Only six individuals—across both the men’s and women’s tours—have ever won three majors in a calendar year.

The men’s side boasts Ben Hogan (1953) and Tiger Woods (2000). On the women’s side, Inbee Park achieved the feat in 2013, joining the ranks of legends Babe Zaharias (1955), Mickey Wright (1961) and Pat Bradley (1986).

For Korda and Ryu, the AIG Women’s Open represents the final piece of a potential triple‑major puzzle. A victory would not only place them alongside those historic figures but also secure their places in the exclusive "three‑major" club. ### The Rolex ANNIKA Major Award The season’s top major performer will also be eligible for the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, which honors the player with the most impressive major record over a single year.

At present, Korda and Ryu are the only contenders. Should either capture the AIG Women’s Open, they would likely clinch the award, adding another accolade to an already stellar year. ### Korda’s Unexpected Setback and the Grand Slam Chase One of the season’s biggest surprises came at the Evian Championship, where Korda missed the cut. The miss broke a remarkable streak of 34 consecutive tournaments where she made the cut and temporarily stalled her pursuit of the career Grand Slam.

In women’s golf, a career Grand Slam is defined as winning four of the five current majors—a moving target as the roster of major tournaments has evolved. With the AIG Women’s Open still on the schedule, Korda has a fresh opportunity to claim the fourth distinct major needed to complete the Grand Slam, a feat last achieved by Inbee Park. ### Past Performances at Royal Lytham & St Annes Korda’s recent form at the venue offers optimism. She finished tied for second at St Andrews in 2024 and tied for 16th at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open this year.

A win at Royal Lytham would not only give her a 20th LPGA Tour title but also her fifth major, bringing her within two points of the threshold required for LPGA Hall of Fame induction. ### The British Contenders The tournament also showcases a strong British contingent. Charley Hull, a five‑time major runner‑up, is still searching for her breakthrough victory.

She has been a runner‑up twice at this very course in the past three years. Lottie Woad, another home‑grown talent, hopes to improve on her top‑10 finishes from previous AIG Women’s Opens. The venue has a storied history of British champions: Catriona Matthew won here in 2009 just weeks after giving birth, and Georgia Hall captured the title in 2018. The expectation is that the 2026 edition could add another name to that list, especially with over 50,000 spectators expected throughout the week.

### International Threats: Miyu Yamashita and Others Beyond the UK, Japanese star Miyu Yamashita presents a serious challenge. After a breakout win at Royal Porthcawl last year—where she out‑duelled Charley Hull—Yamashita has added LPGA victories, including the Maybank Championship and a dramatic playoff win at the Meijer LPGA Classic. Her recent form includes a top‑five finish at the Evian Championship and a solid showing in Scotland, indicating she is peaking at the right moment to contend for the title.

### Solheim Cup Implications The AIG Women’s Open also serves as the final qualifying event for Team Europe’s Solheim Cup roster. Captain Anna Nordqvist, who will not play but will select her team, is finalizing eight automatic qualifiers and four captain’s picks. Players such as Chiara Tamburlini, Helen Briem, Agathe Laisne, Cara Gainer, Lottie Woad, Maja Stark, Celine Boutier, Carlota Ciganda, Linn Grant, and Esther Henseleit are all vying for those coveted spots.

Strong performances at Royal Lytham could tip the balance in their favor, especially for those on the cusp of the world rankings or LET points list. ### Broadcast Coverage Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster for the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland.

This year, the network is expanding its coverage with a new "Featured Groups" segment that begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, followed by full live coverage from 1 p.m. The weekend rounds will be shown from midday, providing fans with unprecedented access to the action.

### What to Expect With the convergence of historic milestones, Hall of Fame races, and national pride, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be more than just another major. Whether Korda can complete the Grand Slam, Hull can finally break her runner‑up streak, or a rising star like Yamashita can add her name to the list of champions, the stakes are high. The tournament will not only decide a major winner but also shape the narrative of the 2026 LPGA season and set the tone for the upcoming Solheim Cup.

Golf enthusiasts should mark their calendars, tune in to Sky Sports, and prepare for a week of unforgettable drama on the storied links of Royal Lytham & St Annes.