4 reasons why the 2024 AIG Women's British Open is set to be epic

The final major championship of the elite professional golf season is upon us, and it comes in the form of the AIG Women’s (British) Open. Golf fans are in for a special treat as the championship makes its way back to the hallowed grounds of St. Andrews and the Old Course for just the third time in the championship’s history, and the first since 2007.

Here are 4 storylines to keep an eye on as the week unfolds.

Scottish Weather Will Be a Factor

Scotland’s weather along the coast is notoriously…well, unpredictable. The forecast is calling for temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s with steady winds from 15-20mph. A chance for ‘showers’ is also possible each day, although showers may mean anything from a light drizzle to sideways downpours. That’s part of what makes watching links golf in the UK so exciting, at least for the fans. Players may have a slightly different outlook on the situation.

A Thrilling Finish Awaits Over the Final 3 Historic Golf Holes at The 2024 AIG Women's British Open

As players work their way back in toward the clubhouse and the town of St. Andrews on Sunday afternoon with the championship hanging in the balance, a thrilling and often treacherous finish awaits. The 16th hole, a seemingly innocuous par 4, features trouble both left and right – the former being the cluster of bunkers known as the Principal’s Nose that protects the left and the latter being out-of-bounds that protects the right. Depending on the weather and wind direction, anything from birdie to double bogey is in play.

The 17th hole, affectionately called the Road Hole, features a blind tee shot over the Old Course Hotel to a narrow fairway with trouble right and tall, wispy fescue to the left. Even if you find the fairway, trouble still lurks all around this difficult green which features a frightening pot bunker to the left and an old stone wall and road to the right. This hole can play so difficult that saving bogey is a win.

The 18th hole is one of the most famous in all of golf and is arguably the best walk in the sport. With the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ clubhouse as the stunning backdrop, players must choose how to play the hole based on the wind. A helping wind means players can potentially drive the green, but trouble awaits just short of the green in the form of the Valley of Sin, a large dip that can gobble up stray shots and test even the best short games in the world.

The Final Chance to Automatically Qualify for the 2024 Solheim Cup

With the Solheim Cup less than a month away, the AIG Women’s Open offers the final automatic qualifying opportunity for players looking to make the top 7 in points and automatically earn their way onto the team. Andrea Lee currently holds a narrow lead over Rose Zhang for the final automatic spot for the Americans. However, Zhang and Alison Lee would automatically qualify through Rolex World Ranking standings. That leaves players like Jennifer Kupcho, Angel Yin, and Andrea Lee looking for a big week to secure the final automatic spots and avoid relying on a captain’s pick from Stacy Lewis.  

Which Amateur Will Take Home the Smyth Salver Award?

The amateur with the lowest score at the end of the championship receives the Smyth Salver award for low-am. Previous winners of the award include Rose Zhang, Atthaya Thitikul, Georgia Hall, and Anna Nordqvist. Gold medal Olympian Lydia Ko – whose victory at Le Golf National secured her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame – also won the low amateur the last time the championship was held at the Home of Golf in 2013.

Top contenders for the Smyth Salver Award this year include Lottie Woad of England. Woad, the number 1 ranked women’s amateur in the world, won the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April and was runner-up in the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Championship this spring.

The 2024 AIG Women’s Open takes place Thursday, August 22 – Sunday, August 25 across the links of the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland. Coverage can be found on Golf Channel and Peacock. Check your local listings for times.