British golfers Charley Hull and Lottie Woad are among the top contenders heading into the 2026 AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, competing in the season's final major championship.
The tournament features a packed field seeking to break the dominant major runs of Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, who have won all four previous majors this year.
Hull, a five-time major runner-up, comes into the event following a second-place finish at the U. S.
Women's Open earlier this season.
Hull's Light-Hearted Prank and Serious Ambition
Hull shared a story about playing a lottery ticket prank on her caddie Adam Woodward before shifting focus to the tough challenge on the Lancashire links course.
"He was like, 'I've never won one of these things, but today could be my lucky day'," said Hull.
She described his dramatic reaction as he thought he had won the grand prize.
"And he was scratching it, scratching it, scratching it, and then his face dropped. 'Oh my god,' he said.
'I've won 100 grand. I've won 100 grand.'
He takes his hat off. He takes his glasses off.
He's got sweat dripping down, he's shaking, he's so excited," said Hull.
Hull then revealed the truth to her caddie. "I think he nearly quit the job then," she said.
"I felt really bad."
Reflecting on her past experiences in major championships, Hull acknowledged the personal and external expectations surrounding her search for a first major victory.
"Frustrating, very frustrating," said Hull. She noted the natural human element of competing under such intense scrutiny.
"I feel like people can add a bit of pressure on you sometimes as well because I am human at the end of the day," said Hull.
Recalling her late charge at the U. S.
Open at Riviera, Hull pointed to key shots on the closing holes that demonstrated her resolve.
"If you look at the putt on 17 I had to hole and then on 18," said Hull.
She detailed her approach on the final hole during that tournament.
"And on that 18th hole, I hit a lovely, lovely, shot into the green. It was a pitching wedge that went over 175 yards," said Hull.
Hull credited her opponent's strong performance while emphasizing her own resilience.
"It was such a good shot in, and then the chip, and then I holed the putt, so I have got grit.
It was just Nelly played well that week," said Hull.
Passing promotional posters depicting past winners added emotional weight ahead of this week's start.
"It'd just be great to think that one day when I do, if I do win the major, I will be able to sleep at night," said Hull.
Addressing the pressure of playing in front of a home audience, Hull maintained a grounded perspective.
"You feel like you let everyone down if you don't quite play well," said Hull. She emphasized keeping golf results in context with real life.
"But at the end of the day, it's just life. You're not going to die if you hit a bad shot.
I just go out there and have fun," said Hull.
Woad Ready for Links Test
Woad, who turned professional a year ago after winning the 2025 Women's Scottish Open, enters her third AIG Women's Open feeling prepared for the coastal terrain.
"Last year, Dundonald was very soft," said Woad. She contrasted last year's setup with the traditional firm links conditions expected at Royal Lytham.
"It wasn't quite links golf, but this year it very much was. So I'm feeling a lot more [prepared] in that aspect," said Woad.
Woad highlighted the specific tactical demands of the course.
"Just seeing those knockdown shots and seeing how much it's going to run. And there are a lot of bunkers.
So you've just got to try and miss all of them and there are a lot off the tee," said Woad.
Reflecting on her rapid adjustment to professional competition, Woad discussed managing expectations despite close calls in recent events.
"Definitely I've learned a lot," said Woad. She noted the mental challenges of playing every week against world-class competition.
"I think it's quite easy to get frustrated and down yourself.
You're playing every week and obviously all expectations are to try and win and pretty much every week you're not," said Woad.
Recalling her childhood memories of watching English predecessor Georgia Hall win the title at Royal Lytham in 2018, Woad highlighted the inspiration she drew from past champions.
"I am a fan of golf history – I’ve watched it over the years.
The one that I can remember most watching on TV was the one here where Georgia won," said Woad.
She described looking up to established British players before joining them on tour.
"I always looked up to the likes of her and Charley [Hull] and all the other English players," said Woad.
Woad noted the unique transition from fan to competitor on the LPGA Tour.
"When I was younger I was watching them compete and play well, and it was inspiring watching her win that," said Woad.
"It is kind of weird now playing with them. It’s a little bit different – but it’s great."
Emphasizing the prestige of winning a major on home soil, Woad noted her fondness for links play.
"I think for any British player this would be the dream one to win.
I like playing links golf and I’m sure it will be a good test with the wind.
It’s always been my favourite watching, and it would be a dream to win it," said Woad.
She explained the unpredictable elements inherent to coastal courses.
"[Links golf] can be tricky too. You need a bit of luck out there with some of the bounces and the wind.
But I enjoy playing this type of golf," said Woad.
Woad pointed out the distinct shots required on links layouts compared to standard American venues.
"I think because you only get to play it a couple of times a year makes it a bit more special, hitting those different shots you wouldn’t really get to hit in the US," said Woad.
She also praised the historical significance of Royal Lytham & St Annes as a venue for major championships.
"I think when we go back to historic golf courses it's great and attracts more people to come," said Woad.
When asked about inspiring younger players like 17-year-old Lauren Crump, who qualified on Monday, Woad expressed appreciation for her position.
"It definitely feels weird," said Woad. She commented on her connection with the emerging amateur player.
"I’m not really sure why she picked me over Charley but I think she is coming through the same system as me with the same coaches I had for England," said Woad.
Woad offered encouragement to those advancing through qualifying rounds based on her own past experiences.
"So it's really cool if you can get through qualifying. It's just always a bonus if you get to play," said Woad.
Defending champion Miyu Yamashita, 2024 champion Lydia Ko, and former winner Georgia Hall—returning after giving birth in February—are also set to compete alongside top-ranked international players including Leona Maguire and Jeeno Thitikul.
