The AIG Women’s Open has attracted the world’s best players to the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, with fans eagerly anticipating who will be crowned champion and claim the final major of the year. With a field full of talent and contenders, the competition is expected to be fierce as players vie for the prestigious title.
Ayaka Furue, who recently claimed her maiden major title at the Amundi Evian Championship, is among the pre-tournament favorites to continue her impressive form. Furue has shown her prowess on links golf at the 2022 ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, making her a strong contender for the AIG Women’s Open title.
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda, who won the Chevron Championship as part of a remarkable run of six LPGA Tour titles in seven events this year, is another player to watch. As the world No 1, Korda will be playing alongside fellow American Lilia Vu, the defending champion who is looking to become the first back-to-back winner since 2011.
The US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner Amy Yang will also be in contention for a second win of the season. Additionally, former world No 1 Lydia Ko, fresh off her Olympic gold medal win, is coming off a strong performance in Scotland and will be looking to add another major title to her resume.
The unpredictable Scottish weather, with strong winds forecasted, could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the tournament. Players like Georgia Hall, who won the event in 2018, and Charley Hull, who finished as the runner-up last year, will be looking to capitalize on their experience and skills in challenging conditions.
Lauren Coughlin, who won the Women’s Scottish Open last week, is riding a wave of momentum and will be looking to secure her third win in four starts. Australia’s Hannah Green, another multiple winner on the LPGA Tour season, will also be a strong contender for the title.
Miyu Yamashita, who has finished as a runner-up six times worldwide this year, and Haeran Ryu, who has finished no worse than 13th in her last five starts, are also players to watch out for. With spots in next month’s Solheim Cup on the line, many players will be looking to impress and secure their qualification.
As the anticipation builds for the AIG Women’s Open, experts and pundits have weighed in on their predictions for the tournament. Dame Laura Davies believes that Nelly Korda, despite her recent dominance, may not be the favorite due to the competitive field. She suggests that Ally Ewing, with her excellent ball control and performance in windy conditions, could be a strong contender for the title.
Trish Johnson is backing Ayaka Furue, who has had a stellar year with nine top-10 finishes in 17 tournaments. Johnson praises Furue’s ball control, putting ability, and experience in Scottish golf, making her a formidable competitor for the championship.
Richard Kaufman notes the rarity of back-to-back women’s major champions and believes that Ayaka Furue could be a player to watch closely. Inci Mehmet picks Lydia Ko as her favorite, citing Ko’s Olympic gold win and strong performance in the Women’s Scottish Open as indicators of her readiness for the AIG Women’s Open.
Iona Stephen believes that Georgia Hall’s love for links golf and St Andrews, combined with her ability to perform under pressure, make her a strong contender for the title. Sophie Walker highlights Lilia Vu’s ball-drawing skills and form leading up to the tournament, making her a player to watch out for.
As the excitement mounts for the AIG Women’s Open, fans can look forward to four days of thrilling golf action live on Sky Sports. With a talented field of players vying for the title, the competition promises to be intense as the world’s best female golfers battle it out on the historic Old Course at St Andrews.