The AIG Women’s Open is taking place this week at Royal Lytham & St Annes, featuring prominent players such as Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu. Both golfers have achieved multiple major victories this season, marking the first time two players have accomplished this feat in a single season.
Korda secured wins at the Chevron Championship and the US Women’s Open, while Ryu claimed the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and achieved play-off success at the Amundi Evian Championship. Both players are aiming to become the first since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three majors within a calendar year, with Ryu specifically looking to win three consecutive majors.
Korda and Ryu are grouped together for the initial two rounds at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Korda is considered a pre-tournament favourite as she seeks a fourth different major title to complete a career Grand Slam. According to Trish Johnson, Korda has had a successful season and appears to be in a good place, with the golf course expected to suit her style of play.
The tournament venue, Royal Lytham, has a history of hosting significant golf events. Annika Sorenstam completed her career Grand Slam at Royal Lytham in 2003, winning her sole Open title by one shot over Se-Ri Pak. The men’s Open Championship is scheduled to return to Royal Lytham in 2028.
Defending champion and home hopes
Miyu Yamashita returns to Royal Lytham as the defending champion, following her victory at Royal Porthcawl last year. Since then, Yamashita has added two LPGA Tour titles and is attempting to become the first back-to-back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng in 2011. Johnson noted that Yamashita is playing well and that the course should be suitable for her game, referencing a top-five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week.
English players Lottie Woad and Charley Hull are among those carrying the hopes for a home winner, a feat last achieved by Georgia Hall at this event. Woad has recorded top-10 finishes in her previous two AIG Women’s Open appearances. Hull has been a runner-up in two of the last three editions of the tournament. Dame Laura Davies commented on Hull’s five runner-up finishes in majors, highlighting her ability to perform in the final stages of events.
Davies also expressed confidence in Woad, citing her calm demeanour and ability to handle pressure, particularly on a links course where challenging conditions can arise. Other players mentioned as potential contenders include Lydia Ko and Jeeno Thitikul.
Tournament coverage and predictions
Coverage of the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland includes featured groups for the first time, offering additional hours of live action. Featured Groups coverage is scheduled to begin at 9am on Thursday and Friday, with full coverage starting at 1pm. Live coverage for rounds three and four will commence at midday over the weekend.
Pundits have offered their predictions for the winner of the AIG Women’s Open. Dame Laura Davies, Iona Stephen, and Sarah Stirk have selected Lottie Woad. Trish Johnson, Richard Kaufman, Catriona Matthew, and Jamie Weir have backed Miyu Yamashita. Christina Kim chose Lydia Ko, while Sophie Walker predicted Haeran Ryu. Ali Whitaker selected Nelly Korda.
Predictions for potential surprise packages include Minami Katsu, Gaby Lopez, Shannon Tan, Hannah Green, Mimi Rhodes, Valentine Delon, Aki Iwai, Allisen Corpuz, Lauren Coughlin, and Brooke Henderson. The tournament is set to play out at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Source: skysports.com