Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu have been the standout performers in the women's major championships this year, but can anyone halt their momentum as they head into the AIG Women’s Open this week? This tournament marks an unprecedented moment in women's golf: for the first time ever, two players have secured multiple major titles 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 clinched the Amundi Evian Championship in a dramatic playoff.
Both athletes are now chasing a historic achievement – the chance to become the first golfer since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three majors in a calendar year. Ryu, in particular, hopes to mirror Park’s feat of three consecutive major victories, a milestone that would cement her place among the sport’s elite. The opening rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes will see Korda and Ryu paired together, occupying the early‑late segment of the draw.
Korda enters the tournament as the pre‑event favourite, eyeing a fourth distinct major title that would complete a career Grand Slam. As former tour player Trish Johnson told Sky Sports, “There’s no question that this year she [Korda] has been a different character – she certainly seems happier in herself and is in a good place.
She has had a stunning season and everything has been working perfectly for her. It will be an interesting week because this is a golf course that should suit her.
When she is at her very best, in my opinion she is head and shoulders above everyone else.” Korda’s best finish at the AIG Women’s Open came last year when she tied for second at St Andrews, a tournament won by Lydia Ko, who also shared a memorable three‑ball with Ryu. The stakes are high, and the field is packed with talent eager to upset the favorites. Returning champion Miyu Yamashita, who broke through with a victory at Royal Porthcawl the previous year, is also in contention.
Since her major win, Yamashita has added two LPGA Tour titles and is aiming to become the first back‑to‑back women’s major champion since Yani Tseng in 2011. Johnson praised her form, noting, “She [Yamashita] is playing great, she had a top‑five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week and this golf course will suit her down to a tee.” English hopes rest on Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, who hope to deliver the first English major win in the tournament since Georgia Hall’s triumph. Woad has recorded top‑10 finishes in each of her two previous 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: “She has had five runner‑up finishes in majors, which is brilliant and shows she can go down the stretch.
I don’t remember her ever letting them go, someone always came and beat her.” Davies also spoke highly of Woad, saying, “I’d have her up there as one of my real favourites. I love the way she plays, she’s very calm and she’s handling the limelight really well.
She doesn’t get too up and doesn’t get too down and normally, around a links course, you’re going to get some bad breaks. If you can handle them better than the rest, you might be the one standing with the trophies.” The broadcast team for Sky Sports includes a roster of seasoned commentators: Trish Johnson, Richard Kaufman, Christina Kim, Catriona Matthew, Iona Stephen, Sarah Stirk, Sophie Walker, Jamie Weir, Ali Whitaker, and Dame Laura Davies, each providing insights on the leading contenders such as Miyu Yamashita, Lottie Woad, Haeran Ryu, Nelly Korda, and others. Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster for the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland. This year, the network introduced a new "Featured Groups" segment, offering additional live coverage.
The featured groups start at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m. The final two rounds will be streamed live from midday over the weekend, giving fans ample opportunity to follow the action.
With the field stacked and the course set up to reward precision and strategic play, the question remains: who will lift the Claret Jug? Will Korda complete her career Grand Slam, will Ryu emulate Inbee Park’s three‑major streak, or will a dark horse like Yamashita, Woad, or Hull seize the moment? Golf enthusiasts can catch every swing, putt, and dramatic finish live on Sky Sports Golf, or stream the coverage without a contract for a flexible viewing experience. The tournament promises high drama, world‑class talent, and the chance for history to be written at Royal Lytham & St Annes.