Block your calendar, close the curtains – the fifth and final major of the year is here, and it’s on British soil. Here’s everything you need to know about the AIG Women’s British Open.
Block your calendar, close the curtains – the fifth and final major of the year is here, and it’s on British soil. Here’s everything you need to know about the AIG Women’s British Open.
By Charlotte Ibbetson
Let’s start with the who, when, what and where …
Georgia Hall returns to defend her title amongst an impressive international field this weekend. As the last major before the winner of the Rolex Annika Major Award is decided, it’s safe to say we can expect some fierce action from the likes of Jon Young Ko, Sung Hyun Park, Hannah Green and Lexi Thompson. They’ll all be taking to the oh-so manicured fairways of Woburn Golf Club from 1 - 4 August in a battle of the best to decide the winner of this year’s final major.
The numbers
The money: The total prize fund at the AIG Women’s British open is $4,500,000 – an increase of 40% from 2018.
The course: The course will measure just over 6,500 yards.
The scores: 19-under par is the lowest tournament score ever recorded, carded by Karrie Webb in 1997and again by Karen Stupples in 2004.
Can Hall make history again?
Georgia Hall made history at last year’s British Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, winning the heart of the nation and igniting a new passion in women’s golf. Hall is only the third British winner since the championship became a Major in 2001, following in the footsteps of Karen Stupples and Catriona Matthew. She’s also one of only five British major winners in history, and the only player to ever win the British Girls, British Amateur, and British Open.
Can the home-grown superstar repeat history this weekend? We haven’t seen too much of Hall this season, her best finish being ninth place at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions. But never say never … Hall would love to win again, if only to receive a replica of the trophy. Unfortunately her car was broken into a couple of months ago and thieves stole her prized possession.
Who will risk it for $1 million prize?
Woburn’s signature par 5, the 528 yard 7th hole will double up as the Aon Risk Reward Challenge. The Aon Risk Reward Challenge is a season-long competition across the PGA and LPGA Tours and takes the best two scores from every participating event a player competes in. The players with the lowest average score to will win the Aon Trophy and take home a $1 million prize.
Passport blunder
Lexi Thompson caused havoc during Monday’s practice day, causing almost 40 players to miss their practice rounds. After the Evian Championships, Thompson’s clubs had been packed into a van for the 12-hour drive from France to Woburn, along with the bags of her competitors. The issue came when Thompson realised she’d left her passport in her golf bag – making the driver turn around and start the journey hours later.
Who have you got your money to win this year's AIG Women's British Open? Tell us what you think and join the conversation on or using #AIGWBO.
Image credit: Ross Kinnaird/ Getty Images
