England's Charley Hull and world number five Lottie Woad are poised to contend for the AIG Women's Open title at Royal Lytham & St Annes, seeking to maintain a recent tradition of British success at the historic venue.
The duo are considered among the favorites for the final major championship of the year, with the course having previously crowned British champions in the Women's Open in 2009 (Catriona Matthew of Scotland) and 2018 (Georgia Hall of England).
Hull, currently ranked seventh in the world, has expressed frustration over her near-misses in major championships, having finished runner-up five times. Her most recent significant performance was a share of second place at the US Open in June, where she was narrowly beaten by Nelly Korda. Hull noted her performance on the closing holes of that tournament, stating, "I have got grit. It was just Nelly played well that week." She also finished tied for second a year ago at Royal Porthcawl, two shots behind winner Miyu Yamshita.
"Frustrating, very frustrating," Hull said of her major career to date, acknowledging the added pressure that can come from external expectations. "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."
Hull secured a victory at the Saudi Ladies International earlier in the year, but described her season overall as mixed. She acknowledged the mental challenge of the upcoming tournament, particularly with the anticipation of fervent home support. "You feel like you let everyone down if you don't quite play well," she admitted, though she also emphasized a more relaxed approach: "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."
Physically, Hull has contended with minor injuries, which she anticipates will add to the mental test this week. Despite these challenges, the prospect of winning a major on home soil holds significant appeal. Hull reflected on the posters of past champions at Lytham, stating, "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."
Woad, who is ranked fifth globally, joins Hull as a strong contender. The tournament at Royal Lytham & St Annes presents an opportunity for another British golfer to etch their name into the championship's history, building on the successes of Matthew and Hall.