Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu have been the standout performers in the women's major championships this year, but can anyone halt their march toward another triumph at the AIG Women’s Open this week? For the first time in history, two golfers have secured more than one major 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 then clinched the Amundi Evian Championship after a dramatic playoff.
Both athletes are now chasing a rare feat: becoming the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three majors in a calendar year. Ryu, in particular, hopes to match Park’s achievement of three consecutive major victories. The tournament will be played at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes, and the two stars have been paired together for the opening two rounds, occupying the early‑late segment of the draw.
Korda enters the event as the pre‑tournament favorite, aiming to add a fourth distinct major to her résumé and complete a career Grand Slam. "There’s no doubt that this season she [Korda] has become a different character – she looks much happier with herself and is clearly in a good place," former European Tour player Trish Johnson told Sky Sports. "She’s had an incredible season and everything seems to be clicking for her.
"It’ll be an intriguing week because the course should suit her game. When she’s at her absolute best, in my view she’s head and shoulders above the rest of 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 Ryu that week. The broadcast will be available without a contract, offering fans the chance to stream the majors and additional golf content. --- **AIG Women’s Open preview and key dates** The 2026 major schedule is packed with marquee events, and the AIG Women’s Open sits near the middle of the season, offering a crucial opportunity for players to solidify their legacies.
The tournament’s rise in popularity has been described as "unrecognisable" by commentators, reflecting its growing global appeal and the depth of the field. Miyu Yamashita returns as the defending champion after a breakthrough victory at Royal Porthcawl last year.
Since then, the Japanese star has added two LPGA Tour wins and is aiming to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng in 2011. "She [Yamashita] is playing superbly – she finished in the top five at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week and this course will suit her perfectly," Johnson added. On the home front, England hopes to produce another major champion after Georgia Hall’s recent success.
Lottie Woad and Charley Hull are leading the charge. Woad has posted top‑10 finishes in each of her two previous AIG Women’s Open outings, while Hull was runner‑up in two of the last three editions.
"She [Hull] has already recorded five runner‑up finishes in majors, which is remarkable and shows she can handle the pressure down the stretch," former Ladies European Tour great Dame Laura Davies said. "I can’t recall a time when she let a lead slip away – someone always came along and beat her, but she never gave up." Davies also praised Woad: "I’d put her among my real favourites. I love her composure; she stays calm under the spotlight and manages her emotions well. On a links course you’ll face some unlucky breaks, but if you handle them better than anyone else you could be the one holding the trophy." --- **Expert panel and broadcast details** The Sky Sports commentary team features a rotating roster of former players and analysts, each offering unique insights: - Trish Johnson will discuss Miyu Yamashita’s chances.
- Richard Kaufman will also weigh in on Yamashita. - Christina Kim will focus on Lydia Ko. - Catriona Matthew will provide perspective on Yamashita again.
- Iona Stephen and Sarah Stirk will back Lottie Woad. - Sophie Walker will analyze Haeran Ryu.
- Jamie Weir will comment on Yamashita. - Ali Whitaker will champion Nelly Korda. - Dame Laura Davies will talk about Minami Katsu.
- Additional voices include Gaby Lopez, Shannon Tan, Hannah Green, Mimi Rhodes, Valentine Delon, Aki Iwai, Allisen Corpuz, Lauren Coughlin, and Brooke Henderson. Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland. For the first time, the network will feature "Featured Groups" coverage, starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full coverage kicking off at 1 p.m.
The weekend rounds (three and four) will be broadcast live from midday. --- **What to watch for** - **Korda’s quest for a career Grand Slam** – If she captures the AIG Women’s Open, she will join an elite group of women who have won four different majors.
- **Ryu’s attempt at a three‑peat** – A win would place her alongside Inbee Park as the only player in the modern era to claim three majors in a single year. - **Yamashita’s title defence** – Defending a major is notoriously difficult; a repeat victory would cement her status as one of the sport’s rising superstars. - **Hull and Woad’s home‑soil ambition** – A win for either would mark the first English major champion since Hall, adding a national storyline to the event.
- **Course strategy** – Royal Lytham & St Annes is a classic links venue that rewards precision off the tee, creative shot‑making, and mental resilience. Players who can navigate the deep bunkers and unpredictable winds will have a distinct advantage. --- **How to watch** Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf, with the option to stream without a long‑term contract. The coverage promises six additional hours of live golf compared with previous years, ensuring that every crucial moment—from early‑round drama to the final‑day showdown—will be captured.
Whether you’re backing a favorite, analyzing the statistics, or simply enjoying the spectacle of world‑class women’s golf, the AIG Women’s Open offers a compelling mix of talent, history, and high‑stakes competition. Tune in throughout the week to see who will ultimately lift the coveted trophy.