Women’s British Open 2026: Nelly Korda and Ryu Haeran Aim for Major History at Royal Lytham
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The 2026 Women’s British Open gets underway on July 30 at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England, bringing together many of the world’s top golfers for the final women’s major championship of the season.
Celebrating its 50th edition, this year’s tournament features a $10 million prize purse and a highly competitive field of 144 players, including 24 of the world’s top 25 golfers, all 19 LPGA Tour winners from the 2026 season, and 12 former Women’s British Open champions.
Korda and Ryu Chasing a Historic Achievement
World No. 1 Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Ryu Haeran have dominated the 2026 major season, sharing the first four major championships between them.
A victory this week would allow either player to become the first golfer since Park Inbee in 2013 to win three major championships in a single calendar year.
Korda has already claimed four tournament victories this season, including The Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open. A Women’s British Open title would also complete her career Grand Slam, giving her victories in all four women’s major championships.
Ryu Haeran enters the event in excellent form after winning both the Women’s PGA Championship and The Amundi Evian Championship. She will be aiming to capture her third major title of the year.
Defending Champion Returns
Japan’s Yamashita Miyu returns as the defending champion after lifting the trophy in 2025. Another victory would make her the first golfer since Yani Tseng in 2011 to successfully defend the Women’s British Open title.
Tournament Schedule
- Dates: July 30 – August 2, 2026
- Venue: Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, Lancashire, England
- Format: Four rounds (72 holes)
- Prize Purse: $10 million
With several of the world’s biggest stars competing, the 2026 Women’s British Open promises an exciting finish to this year’s women’s major golf season as players battle for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
