The 50th staging of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open takes place at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England with the world’s best clashing from July 30‑August 2.
One of the most storied links in world golf, Royal Lytham & St Annes will host the women’s major for the sixth time and again provide a demanding, bunker‑strewn test.
The course will again reward accuracy, imagination and patience and latest betting markets are headed by Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu, Miyu Yamashita, Jeeno Thitikul, Ruoning Yin, Hyo Joo Kim, Sei Young Kim, A Lim Kim and Charley Hull.
With 144 players in the field and four rounds across a tight but heavily bunkered championship layout, this week should be a classic links examination of tee‑to‑green control and major‑level nerve.
Current AIG Women’s Open 2026 Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Nelly Korda | 9.50 (19/2) |
| Haeran Ryu | 12.00 (12/1) |
| Miyu Yamashita | 13.00 (13/1) |
| Jeeno Thitikul | 15.00 (15/1) |
| Ruoning Yin | 17.00 (17/1) |
| Hyo Joo Kim | 19.00 (19/1) |
| Sei Young Kim | 23.00 (23/1) |
| A Lim Kim | 29.00 (29/1) |
| Charley Hull | 29.00 (29/1) |
Leading 2026 AIG Women’s Open Contenders
Nelly Korda
Nelly Korda once again heads the market and arrives at Royal Lytham & St Annes as the world No.1 and dominant figure in the women’s game.
Her length, towering irons and improved putting make her a compelling fit for a links where premium ball‑striking can open scoring opportunities despite the heavy bunkering.
Korda’s quote of 9.50 reflects a slightly wider field than some earlier majors this season, but she remains the clear benchmark for the rest.
If she keeps the ball out of Lytham’s notorious fairway bunkers and navigates the tricky greens effectively, she has every chance of adding another major to her collection.
Hae Ran Ryu
Hae Ran Ryu sits next on the board as the second favourite following victories in the last two majors in 2026.
Her strengths in consistent tee‑to‑green play and calm temperament make her particularly attractive on a course where avoiding mistakes is as important as making birdies.
Ryu’s odds are roughly in line with early numbers from leading books, which see her as the most credible alternative to Korda this week.
If she makes the most of the par‑5s and keeps big numbers off the card, she has the tools to contend all the way through Sunday and win another major.
Miyu Yamashita
Miyu Yamashita continues to earn growing respect on major stages and sits on the third line of the market.
Her accuracy, disciplined course management and comfort in testing conditions should translate well to Royal Lytham’s demanding layout.
Yamashita’s profile is particularly strong for a championship where precise placement and patience are critical.
She looks one of the most persuasive each‑way options among the front rank of favourites.
Jeeno Thitikul
Jeeno Thitikul remains one of the most complete all‑round players in the field and is an attractive price in the betting.
Her ability to control trajectories and manage a course strategically makes her a natural candidate for success on a links that punishes loose shots harshly.
Thitikul has frequently been shorter in other majors, so this quote offers slightly more value than usual for a player of her calibre.
If she handles the wind and bunkering deftly, she should be a serious contender by the weekend.
Ruoning Yin
Ruoning Yin sits just behind Thitikul and brings proven major‑championship winning experience into this year’s AIG Women’s Open.
Her high‑quality ball‑striking and confident outlook give her clear upside on a course where controlled aggression can be rewarded when executed properly.
Yin looks a strong option for backers who expect the championship to favour solid long‑game profiles. If she putts steadily and avoids bunker trouble, she has every chance of mounting a serious charge.
Hyo Joo Kim
Hyo Joo Kim remains one of the most reliable technicians in women’s golf with an ability to keep big mistakes off the card and maintain composure under pressure.
That should be invaluable on a major venue like Royal Lytham and Kim’s game is well suited to handling the demands of links golf, particularly when scoring is more attritional.
If she enjoys a positive week on the greens, she has the consistency to stay in the mix throughout.
Sei Young Kim
Sei Young Kim brings significant LPGA winning experience and an aggressive style that has produced some of the lowest rounds in major history.
On a course like Lytham, Kim’s challenge will be harnessing that attacking mindset while avoiding the worst of the bunkering.
If she finds the right balance, she offers genuine upside at this price.
A Lim Kim
A Lim Kim adds further major‑winning pedigree to the chasing pack and she looks a reasonable option for those seeking a proven big‑event performer just outside the front tier.
Her crisp iron play and strong mentality make her a dangerous presence in difficult conditions, and Royal Lytham has a habit of demanding exactly that skill set.
If she gets comfortable quickly in the wind and bunkering patterns, she could easily outperform expectations.
Charley Hull
Charley Hull completes the highlighted group and will carry significant home‑nation interest into this year’s championship.
Her shot‑making flair and natural confidence in UK links conditions make her a particularly intriguing contender at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Hull’s odds reflect both her high upside and occasional volatility, but few players can generate momentum as quickly when they find form.
If she channels the home support positively and putts well, she has the talent to make a serious run at lifting the trophy.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.