Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu have been the dominant forces in women’s major championships this year, but can anyone halt their momentum as the AIG Women’s Open approaches? This week marks a historic moment: for the first time ever, two players have each secured multiple majors in a single season. Korda captured the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, while Ryu added the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and a dramatic playoff victory at the Amundi Evian Championship to her résumé.
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 mirror Park’s feat of winning three consecutive majors, a milestone that would cement her place among the greats of the game. The tournament will be played at the storied links of Royal Lytham & St Annes, and the draw has paired Korda and Ryu together for the opening two rounds.
Korda enters as the clear pre‑tournament favorite, not only because of her recent form but also because a victory here would give her a fourth distinct major, completing a career Grand Slam – a feat achieved by only a handful of women’s golfers. "There’s no doubt that this year she’s a different character – she looks happier, more relaxed, and clearly in a good place," veteran commentator Trish Johnson told Sky Sports.
"She’s had an extraordinary season and everything seems to be clicking for her. The course at Lytham suits her game perfectly, and when she’s at her best she’s head and shoulders above the field." Korda’s best finish at the AIG Women’s Open came earlier this year, when she tied for second at St Andrews, a tournament won by Lydia Ko, who also shared a memorable three‑ball with Korda and Ryu.
That performance demonstrated Korda’s ability to contend on links venues, and her composure under pressure will be a key factor as she seeks to add another major to her collection. Among the other contenders, defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns with confidence after a breakthrough win at Royal Porthcawl the previous season. Since then she has added two LPGA Tour titles to her record and is aiming to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major champion since Yani Tseng in 2011.
Johnson praised Yamashita’s recent form, noting a top‑five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and emphasizing that the links layout will play to her strengths. English hopes rest on Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, both eager to deliver the first English major victory since Georgia Hall’s triumph at the same venue. Woad has posted top‑10 finishes in each of her two prior AIG Women’s Open appearances, while Hull has been runner‑up in two of the last three editions.
Dame Laura Davies highlighted Hull’s consistency, saying, "She’s had five runner‑up finishes in majors – that shows she can go the distance. I’ve never seen her give up; someone always edges her out at the very end." Davies also lauded Woad, calling her one of her personal favourites. "She plays with calm confidence and handles the spotlight well.
On a links course you’ll face bad breaks, but if you stay steady you can walk away with the trophy," Davies added. The broadcast team for Sky Sports includes a mix of former players and seasoned analysts: Trish Johnson will cover Yamashita, Richard Kaufman will also focus on the Japanese star, while Christina Kim will provide insight on Lydia Ko. Catriona Matthew, Iona Stephen, Sarah Stirk, Sophie Walker, Jamie Weir, Ali Whitaker, and others will each contribute commentary on various competitors, ensuring viewers receive a comprehensive view of the field.
Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland, offering an expanded “Featured Groups” segment for the first time. Coverage begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full live action starting at 1 p.m. The weekend rounds will be broadcast from midday, providing up to six additional hours of live golf compared with previous years.
Fans are encouraged to tune in throughout the week to watch the drama unfold. Whether you back Korda’s quest for a career Grand Slam, Ryu’s pursuit of a three‑major sweep, Yamashita’s bid for consecutive titles, or the home‑grown hopes of Woad and Hull, the AIG Women’s Open promises a compelling narrative of skill, perseverance, and the unpredictable nature of links golf. To follow the action, watch live on Sky Sports Golf or stream the coverage via the Sky Sports app – no contract required.
Share your predictions, join the conversation on social media, and see which expert’s forecast proves most accurate as the tournament reaches its climax at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes.