Ryu outshines Korda, trails Thitikul at AIG in bid for third straight major

Haeran Ryu made a strong statement during the opening round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. The 25-year-old South Korean golfer carded a 5-under 66, securing the early lead and setting a challenging pace for the rest of the field. Her performance remains a focal point as she attempts to capture three consecutive major championships, a feat accomplished by only four players in the history of the tour.

While Ryu maintains her momentum, other competitors faced difficult conditions. Nelly Korda, who entered the tournament as a dominant force with two major titles this season, struggled to a 2-over 73. She remains outside the top 60 as the field waits for the conclusion of the afternoon wave. The contrast between the two players on Thursday highlights the difficulty of the course and the high stakes of the current major run.

Ryu credits her recent success to a shift in mindset. She describes her current approach as calm and focused on playing her game rather than dwelling on the pressure of potential historical achievements. She is currently managing the course with precision, paying close attention to the 174 pot bunkers scattered across the layout.

The tournament continues over the next three days. Ryu remains grounded, stating that she prefers to stay focused on her own execution rather than thinking about the trophy. The golfing community is watching closely to see if she can maintain this form through Sunday.