Excitement Building For AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath

By: Golfshake Editor | Wed 09 Aug 2023

Walton Heath is ready to host the AIG Women's Open for the first time and excitement is building among the field who are looking forward to a fresh and formidable challenge presented by the renowned Surrey venue.

Two-time major winner Lydia Ko believes the chase for the prestigious title could be contested by a number of different players among the 144 international field.

The 26-year-old New Zealander, who shot to prominence when she won the Evian Championship in 2015 and the Chevron Championship in 2016, said, “Sometimes when you go to a place like, let's say, Evian, I know that I've won there before and I've got memories to draw on, whether it's good or bad, but with the AIG Women's Open it's like a new experience every time.

“So, this week, nobody really has a huge advantage in knowing the golf course really well. I'm sure some of the girls that are from England or this area might have played here a couple more times, but because it is new, I think it's like a fresh new book for everyone. So it just feels like it's a very level playing field.

“I think this is a very different style of golf course than any of the other AIG Women's Opens that I've played. So I think it's going to potentially draw different names on the leaderboard to what we may be used to in previous years - and I'm hoping to be in the mix.”

Ko, who won three times on the LPGA Tour last year and sits fifth on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, finished third in the 2015 staging of the AIG Women’s Open.

Lydia Ko

(Image Credit: The R&A)

“I think I've only played at the AIG Women's Open well twice,” added Ko, who is paired with Nelly Korda and Charley Hull for the first two rounds. “I hope to put myself more in contention. There's something about this Championship that I think requires maybe a little more creativity and shots that you we might not play at any other events.

“I think there's that different expertise you're required to play. I think it's going to be a fun week, a tricky week, but I'm just trying to stay patient out there and try to play the best golf I can.”

The defending champion from South Africa, Ashleigh Buhai, is playing with Brooke Henderson and Rose Zhang - winner of last year’s Smyth Salver for leading amateur - in the opening two rounds. Celine Boutier - chasing a third straight win after winning the Amundi Evian Championship and Freed Group Women’s Scottish Open - is joined by one of the home hopefuls, Georgia Hall, and Atthaya Thitikul for the first 36 holes.

England's Mel Reid strikes the opening tee shot at 6.30am on Thursday.

The AIG Women’s Open will showcase women in sport, business and entertainment with fans attending this year’s Championship set to enjoy world-class golf, live music entertainment and a new festival fan village designed to generate a fun, vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

For the very first time, live music will feature as part of a new, enhanced fan experience with Ellie Goulding performing a headline set on Saturday 12 August.

The AIG Women’s Open will take place from 9 -13 August 2023 at Walton Heath, with tickets on sale via aigwomensopen.com.