Nelly Korda, a dominant figure on the women’s professional golf circuit this year, has identified Charley Hull as a leading contender to capture the Women’s Open title, currently underway at Royal Lytham & St Annes in Lancashire. Despite Korda’s own impressive record—securing two major victories in 2026 alone—she expressed strong support for Hull, emphasizing the English player’s widespread popularity and consistent near-successes at major championships.

Hull, 30, has garnered significant attention through her repeated runner-up finishes in major tournaments, including a narrow one-shot loss to Korda at last month’s U.S. Women’s Open. Korda acknowledged Hull’s tenacity and ability to remain competitive, likening her perseverance to that of golfer Sam Burns, who frequently contends in majors without yet clinching a title. “It’s about putting yourself in that position,” Korda remarked. “You can’t control what others are doing, but she’s doing something right to always be there and be relevant, to be in the hunt.”

The venue itself poses a formidable challenge. Royal Lytham & St Annes last hosted the Women’s Open in 2018, when England’s Georgia Hall claimed her first major win. The course’s demanding links layout, characterized by deep bunkers and fast, firm fairways, is expected to test players’ strategy and shotmaking. Korda noted that she plans to minimize use of her driver, opting instead for a balanced approach that includes more frequent use of her four-iron.

For Korda, the 2026 season has marked a turning point in her career both on and off the course. The world number one, who comes from a sporting family—including professional tennis player parents and siblings active in tennis and golf—said she has learned to better manage the pressures associated with elite competition and fame. Reflecting on a difficult 2025, she credited her family for helping her maintain focus and emotional resilience, and described a conscious effort to improve her mental approach to setbacks during play.

Alongside Korda and Hull, Lydia Ko is another notable contender at this year’s tournament. Ko, who claimed the Women’s Open title in 2024, reflected on the recent major victory of fellow New Zealander Ryan Fox at Royal Birkdale. Watching Fox’s win closely from the United States, Ko expressed how his success inspired her, underscoring the camaraderie and shared aspirations within New Zealand’s golfing community.

The 2026 Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes serves as both a prestigious competition in its own right and a precursor to the return of the men’s Open in 2028, promising continued golf prestige at the historic links course. As players vie for the championship, the mix of emerging talent and established stars highlights the growing depth and excitement in women's professional golf.