Royal Lytham hosts AIG Women’s Open with Korda and Ryu seeking major success
The AIG Women’s Open is underway at Royal Lytham & St Annes, featuring a field that includes Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, both of whom have secured multiple major victories this season. This marks the first time two players have achieved multiple major wins in a single season.
Korda previously won the Chevron Championship and the US Women’s Open, while Ryu claimed the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship. Both golfers are aiming to become the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three majors in a calendar year. Ryu is specifically looking to achieve three consecutive major wins.
Key Contenders at Royal Lytham
Korda and Ryu are grouped together for the initial two rounds of the tournament. Korda is considered the pre-tournament favourite, with the potential to secure a fourth distinct major title, which would complete a career Grand Slam. According to Trish Johnson, Korda has had a strong season and appears to be in a good place. Johnson noted that the course at Royal Lytham should suit Korda’s style of play, suggesting that when Korda is at her best, she stands out among her competitors.
Korda’s previous best performance at the AIG Women’s Open was a tie for second place in the 2024 event at St Andrews, where Lydia Ko was the winner. Ko is also part of the three-ball alongside Korda and Ryu this week.
Defending champion Miyu Yamashita returns to the tournament after her victory at Royal Porthcawl last year. Since then, Yamashita has added two LPGA Tour titles and is looking to become the first back-to-back women’s major winner since Yani Tseng in 2011. Johnson commented that Yamashita is playing well, having achieved a top-five finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open last week, and believes the Royal Lytham course will be favourable for her.
English hopes are led by Lottie Woad and Charley Hull. Woad has recorded top-10 finishes in her two prior AIG Women’s Open appearances. Hull has been a runner-up in two of the last three editions of the tournament. Dame Laura Davies highlighted Hull’s five runner-up finishes in majors as evidence of her ability to perform in the closing stages of tournaments.
Davies also expressed confidence in Woad, describing her as one of her favourites due to her calm playing style and ability to handle pressure, particularly on a links course where managing challenging situations is crucial.
Historical Significance of Royal Lytham
Royal Lytham holds historical significance in golf, having been the venue where Annika Sorenstam completed her career Grand Slam in 2003. Sorenstam won her only Open Championship at Lytham by one shot over Se-Ri Pak. During that tournament, Sorenstam reportedly discussed her game with Tiger Woods, comparing notes.
The course has hosted numerous notable winners over the years. The men’s Open Championship is scheduled to return to Royal Lytham in 2028, with the 2027 event set for the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland.
This week’s AIG Women’s Open continues the tradition of major championship golf at Royal Lytham.
Source: skysports.com