Nelly Korda has voiced her belief that a victory by fellow Englishwoman Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open would be a tremendous boost for the sport, even as she herself sets her sights on adding another major to her résumé at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda enters the tournament as the clear favorite, 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 in a campaign that has drawn widespread admiration.
Korda’s triumph at the U.S. Women’s Open was particularly dramatic, as she edged out Gaby Lopez by a single stroke. Hull, who finished tied for second, has now accumulated five runner‑up finishes in major championships, including two recent near‑misses at the AIG Women’s Open over the past three years. The repeated close calls have left Hull yearning for that elusive first major win, a milestone that would also end a long drought for English women’s golf; the last English female major champion, Georgia Hall, lifted a trophy back in 2018.
In a pre‑tournament press conference, Hull admitted that the string of near‑victories “hurts,” but she also expressed confidence that her persistence will eventually pay off. Korda, who has watched Hull’s steady climb, praised her rival’s consistency.
“Sometimes it’s just about putting yourself in that position to contend,” Korda explained. “You can’t control what other players do, but Hull is doing something right – she’s always there, she’s relevant, and she’s in the hunt.” Korda drew a parallel to the men’s game, noting that Sam Burns has repeatedly found himself in contention at majors without yet capturing a title. “Eventually he will win,” she said. “You can’t get discouraged; you have to stay encouraged.” When asked about Hull’s personality and the potential impact of a home‑soil win, Korda was effusive.
“She’s a great personality, a fantastic player with a quirky sense of humor. I love playing with her any time,” Korda said. “If she wins a major on home turf, it would be wonderful for golf as a whole.” Hull, in turn, described Korda’s meteoric rise – which now includes four worldwide victories – as “unbelievable” for the sport.
She acknowledged the extra pressure that comes with being the world number one, especially during periods of dominance. “I’m at a stage in my career where I just want to be myself,” Hull said. “If people don’t like it, that’s fine. If it inspires the next generation, that’s great – that’s what I want.” Hull emphasized her commitment to authenticity, noting that trying to conform to others’ expectations can be draining.
“No one can dictate which direction I go,” she added. “When I’m true to myself, it not only feels right, it also helps grow the game and draws more eyes to what we do.” Korda’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular.
She posted ten straight top‑eight finishes in worldwide events until a surprising missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship earlier this month, which ended a 34‑event streak of making the cut that stretched back nearly two years. Reflecting on the Evian result, Korda was candid: “Evian is a funky course.
I didn’t play badly, honestly. Golf isn’t about being invincible – you can’t expect to make every cut or finish in the top ten every week.” She added that the occasional off‑week is part of the game, and the true test is how quickly a player bounces back. Last year’s AIG Women’s Open saw Korda finish runner‑up to Lydia Ko, and a win this week would not only cement her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame but also complete the career Grand Slam – a feat achieved by only a handful of women in the sport’s history.
“Whenever I’m in contention at a major and I can smell the title, I get a little emotional,” Korda admitted about her narrow miss in 2024. “That’s why we get up early, grind on our game mentally and physically, and keep pushing for that win.” Korda also reflected on her past struggles at the Links, recalling that her performance at St Andrews had been less than ideal. “Playing in that weather and still being in contention on a links course was motivating,” she said. “It proved to me that I could contend under the toughest conditions.” The AIG Women’s Open will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, with an expanded “Featured Groups” format debuting for the first time.
The new coverage begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m., and live broadcasts of the third and fourth rounds starting at midday over the weekend.
Viewers can also stream the tournament without a contract through Sky’s streaming platform. As the tournament unfolds, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Hull will finally break through and claim her maiden major, or whether Korda will continue her historic run and secure the third major of the season. Both players have spoken openly about the mental and emotional aspects of competing at the highest level, underscoring the blend of talent, perseverance, and personal authenticity that defines modern women’s golf.
Regardless of the outcome, the event promises to deliver high‑quality golf, compelling storylines, and a showcase of the sport’s growing global appeal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the game, the AIG Women’s Open offers a chance to witness history in the making and to see how two of the game’s brightest stars navigate the pressures of major‑championship golf. For those looking to follow every swing, putt, and dramatic moment, Sky Sports will provide comprehensive live coverage throughout the week, ensuring that fans can watch the action unfold in real time. The tournament not only highlights the competitive spirit of players like Korda and Hull but also serves as a platform to inspire the next generation of golfers, reinforcing the notion that perseverance, authenticity, and a love for the game can lead to greatness on the world stage.