The AIG Women's Open is set to commence at Royal Porthcawl this Thursday, with much of the pre-tournament attention centered on Lottie Woad. The 21-year-old English golfer has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in British golf, and remarkably, she is the bookmakers' favorite to claim her first major victory—despite this being only her second professional event.

Defending Champion and Strong Contenders

Lydia Ko from New Zealand, the defending champion, will be looking to retain her title in what is the final golf major of the year. However, the spotlight remains on Woad, who has had a spectacular run of form. She began with a resounding victory in the Irish Open while still an amateur, followed by a near-miss at the Evian Championship, where she finished just a shot outside the playoff. Woad then turned professional and won her debut event at the Scottish Open last week.

Home Challenge and Local Favorites

Woad isn't the only British player to watch. Charley Hull, the highest-placed Briton in the world rankings, has also been in good form despite recent health issues. Hull, who withdrew from the Evian Championship due to illness, is now feeling better and is ready to compete. Additionally, two Welsh players, Darcey Harry and Lydia Hall, will be representing their home country in this prestigious event.

Royal Porthcawl: A Challenging Venue

This year's Women's Open marks the first time a men's or women's major golf tournament has been staged in Wales. Royal Porthcawl, known for its breathtaking views and challenging conditions, is expected to test the skills of even the most seasoned players. The course has previously hosted the Amateur Championship, the Curtis Cup, and the Walker Cup, but this event is being billed as the biggest women's sporting event ever held in Wales.

Top Contenders and Predictions

Aside from Woad and Ko, other top contenders include Nelly Korda, the world number one, and Jeeno Thitikul, the world number two from Thailand. Both players are in impressive form and will be looking to add another major title to their resumes. Minjee Lee of Australia, the recent winner of the Women's PGA Championship, is also among the favorites.

Weather and Course Conditions

The forecast for the tournament looks favorable, though the wind is expected to play a significant role. The course's layout, with a sea view from every hole, adds to the challenge. As Nelly Korda noted, 'When the wind picks up here, it's going to be a really, really hard test.'

Coverage and Broadcasting

Fans can follow all the action with live BBC radio commentary and text coverage throughout the four days of the tournament. The BBC Sport website and mobile app will also provide reaction and analysis.

Conclusion

With a mix of rising stars and seasoned champions, the AIG Women's Open promises to be an exciting and competitive event. Whether Lottie Woad can continue her remarkable run and claim her first major title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world's best women golfers are ready to put on a show at Royal Porthcawl.