Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu have been the standout performers in the women’s major championships this year, but can anyone halt their momentum as they head into the AIG Women’s Open this week? This season marks a historic first: two players have each captured more than one major in a single campaign. Korda secured victories at 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 now chasing a rare achievement – becoming the first golfer since Inbee Park in 2013 to claim three majors within a calendar year.
Ryu, in particular, hopes to match Park’s feat of three consecutive major titles. The tournament’s opening rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes have paired the two stars together, placing them on the early‑late side of the draw.
Korda enters as the clear pre‑tournament favourite, eyeing a fourth distinct major that would complete a career Grand Slam. "There’s no doubt that this year she [Korda] has become a different character – she looks happier with herself and seems to be in a great mental place," former champion Trish Johnson told Sky Sports. "She’s had a sensational season and everything has clicked for her.
"It will be an intriguing week because the course should suit her style. When she’s at her absolute best, in my view she stands head and shoulders above the rest." Korda’s best finish at the AIG Women’s Open came last year, when she tied for second at the St Andrews venue, a tournament ultimately won by Lydia Ko, who also shared a memorable three‑ball with Ryu that week.
The broadcast will be streamed without a contract, offering fans a flexible way to watch the majors and other golf action. --- **AIG Women’s Open Preview and Build‑Up** The event has generated a buzz of anticipation, especially after the remarkable rise of the Women’s Open in recent years. Key dates for the 2026 majors have been released, highlighting the growing prominence of the women’s game. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns after her breakthrough victory at Royal Porthcawl last season.
Since then she has added two LPGA Tour titles to her résumé and is aiming to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng achieved the feat in 2011. "She [Yamashita] is playing superbly; she posted a top‑five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week and this course will suit her down to the tee," Johnson added. English hopes are anchored by Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, who both aspire to become the first Englishwoman to capture a major since Georgia Hall’s victory at this venue.
Woad has recorded top‑10 finishes in each of her previous two AIG Women’s Open appearances, while Hull has been runner‑up in two of the last three editions. "She [Hull] has amassed five runner‑up finishes in majors, which is impressive and shows she can go the distance," former major champion Dame Laura Davies remarked.
"I can’t recall her ever giving up; someone always seems to edge her out at the last moment." Davies also praised Woad, saying, "I’d put her among my real favourites. I love her calm demeanor and the way she handles the spotlight.
She doesn’t get overly high or low, and on a links course that can make all the difference. If you can navigate the inevitable bad breaks better than anyone else, you might be the one holding the trophy at the end." --- **Expert Commentary and Player Picks** The broadcast team features a rotating panel of seasoned analysts offering their insights: - Trish Johnson – Miyu Yamashita - Richard Kaufman – Miyu Yamashita - Christina Kim – Lydia Ko - Catriona Matthew – Miyu Yamashita - Iona Stephen – Lottie Woad - Sarah Stirk – Lottie Woad - Sophie Walker – Haeran Ryu - Jamie Weir – Miyu Yamashita - Ali Whitaker – Nelly Korda - Dame Laura Davies – Minami Katsu - Trish Johnson – Gaby Lopez - Richard Kaufman – Shannon Tan - Christina Kim – Hannah Green - Catriona Matthew – Mimi Rhodes - Iona Stephen – Valentine Delon - Sarah Stirk – Aki Iwai - Sophie Walker – Allisen Corpuz - Jamie Weir – Lauren Coughlin - Ali Whitaker – Brooke Henderson These experts will share their predictions throughout the week, adding depth to the coverage and giving viewers a chance to weigh in on who they think will emerge victorious. --- **Sky Sports Coverage** Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to the AIG Women’s Open across the UK and Ireland. For the first time, the network will provide Featured Groups coverage, delivering an additional six hours of live golf compared with previous years.
Featured Groups programming kicks off at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage beginning at 1 p.m. The final rounds—Saturday and Sunday—will be broadcast live from midday, ensuring fans can follow every pivotal moment.
--- **Who Will Lift the Trophy?** With Korda’s career Grand Slam aspirations, Ryu’s quest for a third consecutive major, Yamashita’s bid to repeat as champion, and strong English contenders in Woad and Hull, the field is stacked with storylines. The combination of seasoned veterans and rising stars promises a thrilling contest on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes. Tune in throughout the week on Sky Sports Golf to watch the drama unfold live. If you don’t have a Sky Sports subscription, you can still stream the action and other golf events without a contract, giving you flexible access to every swing, putt, and celebration.
Who will ultimately claim the AIG Women’s Open crown? Follow the coverage, join the conversation, and share your own predictions as the tournament reaches its climax.