World No. 1 Nelly Korda finds herself in a glittering opening group at the AIG Women’s Open, paired with back-to-back major champion Haeran Ryu for the first two rounds at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes course.
Korda entered the tournament fresh off victories at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open, while Ryu has already secured the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship. Their joint appearance marks the first occasion in the history of the sport that two players have captured multiple majors within a single season, underscoring the high‑stakes drama that will unfold over the next four days. Both athletes are now in contention to become the first golfer since Inbee Park in 2013 to claim three major titles in a calendar year.
Ryu, who is chasing a third consecutive major, tees off at 8:42 a.m. alongside Korda and the 2024 champion Lydia Ko, creating a marquee three‑ball that promises early excitement for spectators and broadcasters alike.
English hopeful Lottie Woad also enjoys an early start, hoping to become the first Englishwoman to win a major since Georgia Hall’s 2018 triumph at the same venue. Ranked fifth in the world, Woad will share her tee time with Japan’s Aki Iwai and American Andrea Lee, forming another compelling trio that will be highlighted in the Featured Group coverage on Thursday.
The live broadcast will begin at 9 a.m. on Sky Sports Golf, offering fans a front‑row seat to the opening drama. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita, who aims to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng, will start later in the day at 1:15 p.m.
alongside world No. 2 Jeongeun (Jeeno) Thitikul and American Lauren Coughlin. Yamashita’s quest for a repeat victory adds another layer of intrigue to the tournament narrative.
Charley Hull, another English contender, is placed in the late‑early half of the draw. Hull has finished runner‑up twice in the past three editions of the Open and will be partnered with Australian Hannah Green and Canadian Brooke Henderson. Their group, scheduled to start at 1:32 p.m., will also be featured in the televised coverage, giving viewers a chance to see whether Hull can finally convert her near‑misses into a win on the course that has brought her so close before. The AIG Women’s Open features a one‑tee start for its 144‑player field, with the opening tee shot for England’s Alice Hewson slated for 6:30 a.m.
on Thursday. This early start reflects the tournament’s effort to accommodate a packed schedule and maximize exposure for the world’s top talent.
In addition to the individual competition, the event serves as the final qualifying opportunity for European players hoping to earn a spot on the upcoming Solheim Cup team. Team Europe will be composed of the top two players from the European Solheim Cup points list, plus the next six eligible golfers based on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who have not already qualified. Captain Anna Nordqvist will then announce four captain’s picks live on Sky Sports News on Monday, completing the 12‑member squad. The provisional list includes a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars: Anna Nordqvist (Sweden), Cassie Porter (Australia), Sayaka Takahashi (Japan), Sei Young Kim (Korea), Rio Takeda (Japan), Yuna Araki (Japan), Hyojoo Kim (Korea), Minjee Lee (Australia), Mao Saigo (Japan), Lottie Woad (England), Aki Iwai (Japan), Andrea Lee (USA), Lydia Ko (New Zealand), Nelly Korda (USA), Haeran Ryu (Korea), Miyu Yamashita (Japan), Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand), Lauren Coughlin (USA), Charley Hull (England), Hannah Green (Australia), Brooke Henderson (Canada), Maja Stark (Sweden), Jinhee Im (Korea) and Allisen Corpuz (Philippines).
Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster for the AIG Women’s Open in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This year, the network is expanding its coverage with Featured Groups, delivering six additional hours of live action compared with previous editions. The Featured Groups segment will kick off at 9 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday, leading into full coverage that begins at 1 p.m.
The tournament’s third and fourth rounds will be broadcast live from midday over the weekend, ensuring fans can follow every pivotal moment. Beyond the on‑course action, the Open offers a range of ancillary content for golf enthusiasts. Viewers can stream the tournament and other sporting events without a long‑term contract, and Sky Sports promotes its flexible subscription options for those who prefer a pay‑as‑you‑go model. Additionally, the platform highlights a partnership with over 1,700 golf courses across the UK and Ireland, encouraging fans to book tee times at local venues and experience the game firsthand.
In summary, the AIG Women’s Open promises a thrilling start with world‑class matchups, historic stakes, and extensive broadcast coverage. Whether you are rooting for Korda and Ryu to chase a third major, hoping Lottie Woad can break a national drought, or watching Miyu Yamashita attempt a rare back‑to‑back victory, the tournament offers a compelling narrative for golf fans worldwide. Tune in to Sky Sports Golf for live coverage, and enjoy the blend of tradition and excitement that defines one of the sport’s most prestigious events.