GOLF.com: Hat Trick, Hall of Fame, and First Major Dreams — 5 Storylines for the AIG Women's Open Final Rounds

The Final Major of 2026 Heats Up at Royal Lytham

The AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St. Anne's serves as the last major of 2026 for both tours, and the halfway leaderboard is as loaded as advertised — 19 players sitting in red figures heading into the weekend.

1. Haeran Ryu's Hat Trick Bid

World No. 3 Haeran Ryu has won back-to-back major championships this season, and she now sits atop the leaderboard here, too. A closing stretch of five under over her final 12 holes on Friday underscored her form. A third consecutive major would be a rare feat in women's golf.

2. Jeeno Thitikul's Breakthrough Moment

World No. 2 Atthaya "Jeeno" Thitikul slipped with a Friday 73 but remains just two shots off the lead at T3. While Korda and Ryu have each claimed two majors this year, Thitikul — at 23 — is still seeking her first. Her mantra heading into the weekend: patience.

3. Charley Hull's Home Chance

England's Charley Hull is in position to claim a first major title on home soil, a storyline that transcends the social media noise surrounding her caddie prank. She says her nerves have settled, which bodes well for a weekend charge.

4. Nelly Korda's Hall of Fame Push

Already a two-major winner in 2026 (Chevron + U.S. Women's Open), Korda enters the final 36 holes with LPGA Hall of Fame induction and a Career Grand Slam on the line. A second-round 68 repositioned her within striking distance, and her ball-striking was sharp.

5. Lydia Ko and a Stacked Chase Pack

The defending champion from 2024 sits T14 at one under, hoping to ride momentum inspired by fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox's win at Royal Birkdale. Japan's Shiho Kuwaki holds solo second, making this a genuinely global leaderboard.

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Strokeslab Perspective

Ryu's ability to go low on Friday while the field averaged near-par suggests elite SG: Approach numbers on a links layout where controlling ball flight is paramount. Watch SG: ATG as the key differentiator in Sunday's final reckoning.