The climax of the women’s major championship season arrives this week with the AIG Women’s Open, and Sky Sports is delivering the most extensive live coverage ever seen for the event, broadcasting directly from the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes. This year’s tournament promises a compelling storyline, as defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to the links after her breakthrough victory at Royal Porthcawl last season. The Japanese prodigy aims to become the first player to retain the AIG Women’s Open title since Yani Tseng achieved the feat in 2011, a challenge that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the competition. Among the field, American star Nelly Korda entered the event as the pre‑tournament favorite.
Having already secured two majors this season – the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open – a win at Royal Lytham would not only give her a third major in 2026 but also lock her into the LPGA Hall of Fame and complete the career Grand Slam, a milestone that has eluded only a handful of the game’s legends.
Korda’s powerful ball‑striking 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 burgeoning résumé. The tournament also features a strong contingent chasing a third consecutive major title. South Korean sensation Haeran Ryu, who captured both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship earlier in the year, is looking to cement her status as the season’s dominant force.
Ryu’s precise iron play and strategic course management have already earned her a reputation for thriving on demanding links layouts, and Royal Lytham’s challenging setup will test her mettle. Adding further depth to the field are rising stars such as Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and South Korea’s Hyojoo Kim, both of whom have shown the ability to contend on the world stage. Thitikul, the youngest player ever to win a professional event, brings a calm confidence that belies her age, while Kim’s recent resurgence after a period of injury has reignited hopes that she could break through for her first major win. British hopes are also alive in the mix.
Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, both members of the home contingent, are eager to claim their maiden major title and become the first Englishwoman to lift a major since Georgia Hall’s triumph at the 2018 Women’s Open. Their familiarity with the local conditions and the support of the home crowd could prove decisive, especially as this week also marks the final leg of the qualification process for Europe’s Solheim Cup team, set to compete in September. Sky Sports has announced that it will broadcast live action from all four rounds, with a new "Featured Groups" format that will spotlight specific clusters of players throughout the tournament.
The schedule begins on Sunday, August 2, at noon, when the final round will be aired live. In addition to live coverage, the network will provide one‑hour highlight reels each evening at 11 p.m., with repeat broadcasts the following morning. The full final round will be replayed in its entirety on the Monday after the event, ensuring that viewers who miss the live feed can still experience the drama in real time.
For viewers seeking flexibility, Sky Sports offers multiple ways to watch. Sky customers can tune in via Sky Sports Golf or the Sky Sports Main Event channel, while the Sky Sports app provides a convenient streaming option on mobile devices. Non‑Sky customers have the opportunity to stream the tournament without a long‑term contract, using a NOW Day pass or a cancel‑any‑time monthly subscription.
A dedicated live blog will also be available for those on the move, delivering minute‑by‑minute updates and key moments throughout the week. Royal Lytham & St Annes is one of the most iconic venues in the R&A’s portfolio, having hosted The Open Championship eleven times and serving as a two‑time Ryder Cup venue.
This year marks the sixth time the course will host the AIG Women’s Open. The layout stretches to 6,601 yards and plays as a par‑71, featuring over 170 pot bunkers that line the fairways and a unique opening par‑three hole – the only one on the Open rotation. The course’s historic significance is underscored by its centennial celebration of The Open, first won there by Bobby Jones in 1929, with a distinguished list of champions that includes Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros (twice), David Duval, and Ernie Els.
The most recent winners of the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham have been British: Georgia Hall in 2018 and Catriona Matthew in 2009. Past champions such as Sherri Steinhauer and Annika Sörenstam have also found success on these links, highlighting the venue’s reputation for rewarding strategic play and mental resilience. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience.
In addition to the live broadcasts, Sky Sports invites viewers to follow its WhatsApp channel for up‑to‑date sports news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive features. Those interested in playing the game themselves can explore Sky’s partnership with over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, offering convenient booking options by entering a course name, city, or postal code.
In summary, the AIG Women’s Open promises a week of high‑stakes golf, historic venues, and a field packed with talent vying for major glory. Whether you are a fan of the defending champion Miyu Yamashita, the ambitious Nelly Korda, the dominant Haeran Ryu, or any of the other world‑class competitors, Sky Sports will provide comprehensive, live coverage that brings the excitement of Royal Lytham directly to your screen.
Stay tuned, follow the live blog, and enjoy the drama as the world’s best women golfers battle for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.