Nelly Korda expressed that a victory by Charley Hull at the AIG Women’s Open on home soil would be a tremendous boost for the sport, even as she herself sets her sights on another major win at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda entered the tournament as the clear favorite, aiming to match the record of three majors in a single season after already securing titles at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open. Her triumph at the U.S.
Open came by a single stroke over Gaby Lopez, while Hull has endured five runner-up finishes in majors, including two recent near-misses at the AIG Women’s Open, leaving her still without a breakthrough win. Ahead of the final major of the year, Hull admitted that the string of close calls has been painful, noting that England’s last female major champion, Georgia Hall, won back in 2018. Nevertheless, Korda praised Hull for consistently putting herself in contention, saying, "She knows how to get herself into that position and stay relevant. You can’t control what others do, but Hull is doing something right to be in the hunt so often." Korda likened Hull’s situation to that of Sam Burns on the men’s side, a player who frequently contends in majors without yet capturing a title.
She emphasized that such near‑wins should be motivating rather than discouraging, noting that perseverance eventually pays off. Korda also highlighted Hull’s charismatic personality, adding that a win at her home club would be "great for the game of golf." She described Hull as an "amazing player with a funny personality" and said she enjoys any opportunity to play alongside her. The sentiment was mutual; Hull called Korda’s season, which includes four global victories, "unbelievable" and recognized the added pressure that comes with being world No.1. Hull explained that she is now at a point in her career where she prioritises authenticity, stating, "If people don’t like it, that’s fine.
I want to inspire the next generation and be true to myself." She emphasized that trying to conform to external expectations drains her energy, and that embracing her own choices helps grow the sport and attract viewers. Korda’s recent form had been extraordinary, with ten straight top‑eight finishes worldwide until a surprising missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship, which ended a 34‑event streak of making the cut that spanned nearly two years. She described Evian as a "funky" course and admitted that even a solid round doesn’t make a player invincible. "Golf is a game of peaks and valleys," she said.
"There will be weeks when you don’t have it, and the key is how quickly you bounce back." This perspective reflects the resilience required at the elite level, where even the best can have off weeks. Korda also reflected on her previous AIG Women’s Open experience, where she finished runner‑up to Lydia Ko in the prior edition. A win this week would not only secure her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame but also complete the career Grand Slam, a rare achievement in women’s golf.
She admitted that being in contention at a major stirs strong emotions, especially after narrowly missing out in 2024. "We wake up early, work on our game mentally and physically, and chase that title," she said.
She added that playing well in challenging weather on a links course like St Andrews was especially motivating, proving she could compete under tough conditions. The AIG Women’s Open is broadcast exclusively by Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, with an expanded schedule that includes Featured Groups coverage for the first time. The coverage begins at 9 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full live action from 1 p.m., and continues with live rounds three and four over the weekend. Fans can watch the tournament throughout the week on Sky Sports Golf, or stream via the Sky Sports platform without a contract.
Beyond the immediate competition, the tournament represents a broader narrative for women’s golf. Hull’s potential home victory could inspire a new generation of English players, while Korda’s pursuit of a historic third major underscores the increasing depth and global reach of the LPGA. Both athletes embody different stages of a professional career: Hull, a seasoned contender seeking that elusive first major, and Korda, a rising star consolidating her dominance. Their mutual respect and public admiration highlight the camaraderie that can exist even amid fierce rivalry.
The stakes are high for both players. For Hull, a win would break a personal pattern of runner‑up finishes and restore England’s presence at the top of women’s majors after an eight‑year gap. For Korda, securing the title would cement her legacy, bring her one step closer to Hall of Fame induction, and complete a career Grand Slam that only a handful of players have achieved.
The narrative is further enriched by the contrasting personalities: Hull's light‑hearted humor and Korda's focus on authenticity and personal growth. As the tournament unfolds, viewers can expect dramatic swings typical of links golf: unpredictable weather, fast greens, and strategic shot‑making. The course at Royal Lytham & St Annes demands precision off the tee and a keen sense of wind direction, rewarding players who can adapt quickly. Both Hull and Korda have demonstrated the skill set required to thrive under such conditions, making the final outcome an intriguing mystery.
In summary, the AIG Women’s Open serves as a crossroads for two of the sport’s most compelling figures. Hull seeks to convert her consistent contention into a historic home victory that could rejuvenate English women’s golf, while Korda aims to cap an extraordinary season with a third major, solidifying her place among the all‑time greats. Their shared respect, contrasting journeys, and the high‑stakes environment promise a captivating tournament that will be remembered for years to come.