Nelly Korda has voiced her belief that a victory by England’s Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open would be a major boost for the sport, even as she herself targets a fresh major win at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda enters the tournament as the clear favourite, poised to equal the record for most majors in a single season after already securing titles at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open. Her triumph at the U.S.
Women’s Open was a narrow one‑shot win over Gaby Lopez, and it left Hull with yet another runner‑up finish in a major – the fifth of her career and the second at the AIG Women’s Open in the last three years – still searching for that elusive first major crown. Ahead of what will be the final major of the year, Hull admitted that the string of near‑misses has been painful. She noted that Georgia Hall remains the most recent English woman to win a major, back in 2018, and that the weight of expectation can be heavy. Korda, however, praised Hull’s consistency and her ability to stay in contention week after week.
“Sometimes it’s about putting yourself in that position to contend,” Korda said at her pre‑tournament press conference. “You can’t control what other players do, but Hull is doing something right to be there, to be relevant, and to be 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’s been close a lot, and eventually he’ll get it. You can’t get discouraged – it should be encouraging,” she added, emphasizing that frequent contention is a sign of quality, even if the win still eludes a player. When asked about Hull’s personality, Korda was effusive.
“She’s a fantastic character, and a win on home soil would be amazing for her. She’s an incredible player with a great sense of humour – I love playing with her any time. I think it would be great for the game of golf.” Hull, in turn, described Korda’s remarkable season – which includes four global victories – as “unbelievable” for the sport.
She acknowledged the added pressure that comes with being world No. 1 and dominating a sport, but also stressed her desire to stay authentic. “I’m at a point in my career where I just want to be myself,” Hull explained.
“If people don’t like it, that’s fine. If it inspires the next generation, that’s even better. No one can dictate the direction I take; I’ll follow the path that feels right to me.
When I’m authentic, I don’t feel my energy drained. I’ve learned to say ‘yes’ to the things I truly want, and if that helps grow the game and gets people watching, that’s fantastic.” Korda’s consistency has been extraordinary. She posted ten straight top‑eight finishes worldwide before 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.
Reflecting on the Evian result, she described the course as “a funky golf course” and admitted that even a solid round can still result in a miss. “Golf isn’t about being invincible,” she said. “There will be weeks when you don’t have it, and that’s part of the reality.
After missing enough cuts, it’s all about the bounce‑back.” Korda’s recent major record includes a runner‑up finish to Lydia Ko at last year’s AIG Women’s Open. A win at this week’s event would not only add another major to her résumé but also cement her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame and complete the career Grand Slam. “Whenever I’m in contention at a major and I can smell the title, I get a little emotional,” she admitted about the narrow loss in 2024. “That’s why we rise early, grind on our game mentally and physically, and keep pushing for that win.” She also reflected on her previous struggles at the Women’s Open, noting that the challenging links conditions at St Andrews had historically been a stumbling block.
“Playing in that weather and still being in contention on a links course was motivating because it showed me I could compete,” Korda said. “It reminded me that I belong here.” The tournament will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, with an expanded “Featured Groups” format debuting for the first time. Coverage begins at 9 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m., and live rounds three and four will start at midday over the weekend. Fans can also stream the event without a contract through Sky’s streaming service.
As the AIG Women’s Open unfolds, the question on everyone’s mind is who will finally break through. Will Charley Hull finally claim that long‑awaited major on home turf, delivering the boost Korda believes the sport needs? Or will Nelly Korda add yet another trophy to her already impressive collection, completing a historic season and cementing her legacy? The drama, the links weather, and the high‑stakes competition promise a week of unforgettable golf, and viewers can follow every moment live on Sky Sports Golf or via streaming platforms.