Hull admits she needs to win first Major before long-term battle with No.1 Korda

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Charley Hull, currently ranked No. 7, aims to win her first Major at the AIG Women’s Open to establish herself as a true competitor to world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who has already secured four Major titles. The tournament, featuring a record £7.5 million prize fund, highlights rising British talent and is seen as crucial for increasing the sport’s visibility and attracting larger audiences.

Charley Hull acknowledges that securing a Major championship remains a crucial milestone before she can position herself as a genuine rival to world No. 1 Nelly Korda. The British golfer, currently ranked No. 7 globally, has finished as runner-up in five Major tournaments but is yet to claim a title at golf’s most prestigious events.

Hull is among the leading contenders as the AIG Women’s Open gets underway this week at Royal Lytham and St Annes in Lancashire, with hopes high for the first British winner since 2018. By contrast, Korda, 28, has already amassed four Major victories, including both this year’s Chevron Championship and the US Women’s Open.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Hull said she did not view her relationship with Korda as a rivalry at this stage, noting the significant gap in Major success. “No offence, Nelly has got however many Majors and I’ve got none,” Hull remarked. “I’ve got five second places. Let me get my Major in first, and then that’s something we can think about in the future.”

The AIG Women’s Open offers a record prize fund of £7.5 million, with the winner receiving £1.13 million, reflecting a continued increase in prize money across the game’s top events. Hull, aged 30, emphasized the importance of raising the profile of Majors to attract larger audiences and greater sponsor interest. “It’s now the tour’s job, and our job as players, to make it really exciting for everyone,” she said. “It’s nice and it’s good because I love playing for money, I’m not going to lie! That’s why I think I play so well in the Majors.”

Hull is paired for the opening two rounds alongside Australia’s Hannah Green and Canada’s Brooke Henderson. Meanwhile, Korda will begin her title defense with a star-studded duo, South Korea’s Ryu Hae-ran—who has won the last two Majors—and 2024 Open champion Lydia Ko.

Another prominent British contender is Lottie Woad, ranked No. 5 in the world and 22 years old, who will compete alongside Japan’s Akie Iwai and American Andrea Lee. Woad expressed enthusiasm for the challenge posed by links golf and the unpredictable weather conditions typical at Royal Lytham and St Annes, calling a victory on home soil a dream. “I like playing links golf and I’m sure it will be a good test with the wind,” she said. “It’s always been my favourite watching, and it would be a dream to win it.”

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.