2024 AIG Women’s Open preview: Field, odds, venue, weather and more

The 2024 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a spectacular finale to this year’s major championship season, taking place at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. The iconic venue, often referred to as the Home of Golf, has a rich history with the tournament, having hosted it twice before, in 2007 and 2013.

This year, the course will challenge the world’s best female golfers over 6,784 yards, playing to a par of 72. The championship will be held from August 22-25, offering fans and players alike an unforgettable experience on one of golf’s most legendary stages.

St Andrews is steeped in tradition, and the Old Course is no stranger to major events, making it the perfect setting for the final women’s major of the year. The layout, featuring just a single par 5 and par 3 on each nine, presents a unique test of skill and strategy. The course’s expansive greens, deep bunkers, and ever-present winds off the North Sea will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the champion.

The AIG Women’s Open is not just a battle for the prestigious title but also a decisive event in determining the season’s best player, as the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award will be awarded to the player with the best overall performance in the majors.

Additionally, the AIG Women’s Open marks the final opportunity for players to secure their spots on the U.S. and European Solheim Cup teams, adding an extra layer of excitement and pressure to the competition.

With a $9 million purse on the line, the stakes are incredibly high, attracting the world’s top talent. Fans can expect intense competition as the best players in women’s golf vie for one of the sport’s most coveted trophies, all while under the watchful eyes of history at the Old Course.

AIG Women’s Open: Weather and Course Condition

As for the course conditions, the Old Course is in excellent shape, with its famous fairways and greens meticulously prepared for the championship. The grounds crew has been working tirelessly to ensure that the course maintains its challenging nature while remaining fair for all competitors.

The rough is expected to be thick, making accuracy off the tee crucial, while the firm and fast greens will demand precision on approach shots.

Weather will also be a factor, as is often the case in Scotland. Early forecasts suggest that players can expect typical links weather during the AIG Women’s OPen weekend, with cool temperatures and the potential for wind and rain throughout the tournament.

The unpredictable nature of the Scottish weather could lead to fluctuating conditions, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly. Those who can handle the elements will have a significant advantage as they navigate the storied links.

AIG Women’s Open Field

The field for the 2024 AIG Women’s Open is stacked with talent, including Nelly Korda, who enters the tournament as the world’s top-ranked player. Korda has had an extraordinary season, highlighted by her win at The Chevron Championship, and she will be looking to cap it off with another major victory.

Lilia Vu, the defending champion, is also in the mix, aiming to replicate her dominant performance from last year at Walton Heath.

Joining them are other major winners from this season, such as Yuka Saso, Amy Yang, and Ayaka Furue, each of whom will be eager to add another major title to their resumes. The British contingent will be led by Charley Hull, who finished runner-up last year and will be hoping to go one better on home soil this time around.

Past champions also add depth to the field, with names like Georgia Hall, Stacy Lewis, and Hinako Shibuno looking to reclaim the title. The tournament will undoubtedly provide a thrilling conclusion to the major season, with the added drama of Solheim Cup qualification making every shot count.

AIG Women’s Open: Expert and Sleeper Picks

Expert Picks:

Nelly Korda (6-1):  Nelly Korda’s dominance in women’s golf is hard to ignore, especially after winning six out of her first seven starts this season, including the Chevron Championship. Despite a slight dip in form, she remains a top contender. The Old Course at St Andrews will require precision, and Korda’s all-around game makes her a strong candidate for success. Her ability to perform under pressure and her consistency throughout the season position her as a favorite to contend for the title.

Charley Hull (14-1):  Charley Hull is coming into the AIG Women’s Open with strong form, and the British golfer has been knocking on the door of a major win for a while. Hull finished as the runner-up at the US Women’s Open earlier this year and has experience playing links golf, which will be crucial at St Andrews. Her aggressive style of play and familiarity with the conditions make her a solid pick to challenge for her first major victory.

Sleeper Picks:

Linn Grant ( 25-1): Linn Grant is a rising star in women’s golf, and her ability to putt exceptionally well will be key on the fast, undulating greens of St Andrews. Grant has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and her game is well-suited for the demands of links golf. With a top-10 finish at the recent Evian Championship, she could be poised for a breakout performance at the AIG Women’s Open.

Leona Maguire (33-1): Leona Maguire is another player who excels in links conditions, and her gritty style of play makes her a dangerous sleeper pick. The Irish golfer has steadily improved over the past few seasons, and her ability to navigate difficult weather conditions and tricky course setups could give her an edge. A strong performance here could see her contend for her first major title.