2026 AIG Women’s Open: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Round 2 Live

Alright, so the 2026 AIG Women’s Open is in full swing, and Day 1? Absolutely wild. We saw some serious golf, especially from Jeeno Thitikul. Dropping a record seven-under 64 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes? That’s not just good, that’s putting the entire field on notice. She’s got nine LPGA wins already, but that elusive major title? It’s still missing. This could be her damn week. With 54 holes left, she’s in prime position. You don’t want to miss how this all shakes out on Friday for Round 2. We’ve got you covered on exactly when and where to catch all the action.

Catching All the Action: TV and Streaming Deets

So, you wanna know how to watch the ladies battle it out on Friday? It’s pretty straightforward, but you gotta know the times. Golf Channel and USA Network are your go-to channels. Golf Channel actually kicks things off super early, like 4 a.m. ET. Yeah, you read that right. If you’re not an early bird, don’t sweat it. USA Network picks up the slack starting at 8 a.m. ET and runs with it until 2 p.m. ET. So, whether you’re an early riser or just getting your coffee, there’s a window for you. This is your shot to see if Thitikul can keep that lead or if someone else steps up to steal the show.

And for those of you glued to your devices, there’s more. You can stream the second round action online. Head over to Golfchannel.com, or grab the Golf Channel App or the NBC Sports App. They’ll have you covered with additional streaming coverage. No excuses to miss any of the crucial shots or heartbreaks. It’s all about making sure you’re dialed in to the right channel or stream at the right time. This major is shaping up to be a good one, and the drama is just getting started.

Royal Lytham & St. Annes: The Stage is Set

This year, the AIG Women’s Open is taking place at the iconic Royal Lytham & St. Annes. This place isn’t just any golf course; it’s a proper links test. Known for its challenging pot bunkers and the sheer unpredictability of links golf, it’s a true examination of a player’s skill and nerve. The wind can whip up at any moment, turning a seemingly straightforward hole into a serious challenge. It demands precision off the tee and a solid short game. You can bet the players are feeling the pressure, especially after Day 1’s fireworks. Royal Lytham has a history of producing dramatic finishes, and this tournament is shaping up to be no different. It’s the kind of course where legends are made and dreams can be shattered in a single shot.

Having a course with such a rich history adds another layer to the competition. It’s not just about playing golf; it’s about playing golf where so many greats have tread. The history of the course itself becomes a factor. Players have to contend with not just the present challenge of the course and their competitors, but also the legacy of the venue. It’s a mental game as much as a physical one. Watching how the players adapt to the conditions, especially if the weather turns, will be fascinating. This is where you see who truly has the game for the biggest stages.

Friday’s Tee Times: Who’s Up First?

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty for Friday’s second round. The early birds tee off before the sun even properly gets going. We’re talking about tee times starting at 1:30 a.m. ET from the first tee. Yeah, it’s brutal for some, but for the die-hard fans, it’s game on. You’ve got players like Jing Yan, Agathe Laisne, and Lauren Walsh kicking things off. Then the waves continue to roll out. It’s a packed schedule, so you’ll want to keep an eye on when your favorites are out there.

Some of the big names are grouped together, which always makes for compelling viewing. For instance, you’ve got Charley Hull, Hannah Green, and Brooke Henderson going off at 3:42 a.m. ET. That’s a group that could easily deliver some serious fireworks early in the day. Later on, at 8:26 a.m. ET, we’ll see Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, and Haeran Ryu teeing it up. That’s a heavyweight bout right there, featuring some of the biggest stars in the women’s game. You can bet the crowds, both on-site and watching from home, will be buzzing for that one. It’s a testament to the depth of talent in this field that you get matchups like that.

• Early Starters: Keep an eye on the early tee times, as some players will be looking to get out, post a solid number, and put pressure on the leaders before they even hit the course. Players like Miyu Yamashita, Jeeno Thitikul, and Lauren Coughlin tee off at 3:31 a.m. ET. This is a crucial window to see if Thitikul can extend her lead or if others can close the gap.
• Mid-Round Battles: As the day progresses, the groupings become even more intense. The 8:26 a.m. ET tee time featuring Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, and Haeran Ryu is a must-watch for any serious golf fan. These are players who know how to win majors.
• Late Finishers: The final groups will be battling it out under potentially tougher conditions as the day wears on. Watching how they handle the pressure of closing out a round at a major championship is always captivating.

It’s a full day of golf, so make sure you’ve got your coffee brewed and your snacks ready. The schedule is packed from dawn till afternoon, offering continuous action. You can find the full list of tee times online, but knowing the key groupings and start times will help you plan your viewing. This is where the tournament truly starts to take shape, and mistakes made today could be very costly tomorrow.

Jeeno Thitikul’s Dominance: Can She Keep It Up?

Let’s talk about Jeeno Thitikul. That opening round 64 was no fluke. She looked dialed in, confident, and frankly, unstoppable. She’s 23, already a nine-time LPGA winner, and clearly has the game to compete at the highest level. The only thing missing is a major championship. This week at Royal Lytham, she’s given herself the perfect platform to change that. But here’s the thing with golf, especially major championship golf: momentum is a funny beast. It can be your best friend, or it can vanish quicker than a well-struck drive into the rough.

The pressure of leading a major is immense. Every shot is magnified. The scrutiny intensifies. Can she handle it? Her past success suggests she can, but this is a different beast entirely. We’ve seen plenty of players falter when the pressure cooker gets turned up. On the flip side, we’ve also seen players rise to the occasion, playing their best golf when it matters most. Her ability to stay calm, stick to her game plan, and execute under pressure will be the deciding factors. If she plays like she did on Day 1, nobody is catching her. But golf has a way of humbling even the best.

It’s not just about her own game, though. She’s got an entire field of world-class golfers chasing her. Players like Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and others are more than capable of firing off low rounds themselves. They’ll be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups. The mental fortitude required to maintain a lead in a major is astronomical. She’ll need to treat every round, every hole, and every shot as if she’s starting from scratch. That’s the mindset of a champion. We’ll be watching closely to see if she can maintain that level of focus and execution throughout Friday’s second round.

What to Expect from Royal Lytham

Royal Lytham and St. Annes is a proper challenge. It’s not a course that will give you anything for free. The infamous pot bunkers are strategically placed, and getting out of them is often a gamble. Miss the fairway, and you could be looking at a bogey or worse. The wind is also a massive factor. On a links course, the weather can change in an instant, and a calm morning can turn into a blustery afternoon, completely altering the way the course plays. Players will need to be adaptable and have a solid understanding of wind management.

The greens at Royal Lytham are typically firm and fast, making approach shots crucial. You need to land the ball in the right spot to have any chance of holding the green. Miss the green, and you could be facing a tricky chip over those bunkers. This course rewards smart play, strategic thinking, and a high level of execution. It’s not about bombing it as far as you can; it’s about precision, course management, and staying patient. The players who can grind out pars and capitalize on the few birdie opportunities will be the ones to watch.

This is a course that demands respect. It’s a true test of all-around golf. You need a strong driving game to avoid the bunkers, a precise iron game to hit the greens, and a deft touch around them to save par. The mental game is just as important. Staying focused, managing expectations, and not getting discouraged by the inevitable bad bounces or tough lies is key. It’s a course that has a way of revealing a player’s true character under pressure.

Your Friday Viewing Checklist

So, to make sure you don’t miss a second of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open Round 2, here’s your quick rundown:

• Channels: Golf Channel and USA Network.
• Golf Channel Coverage: Starts at 4 a.m. ET.
• USA Network Coverage: Starts at 8 a.m. ET and runs until 2 p.m. ET.
• Streaming: Golfchannel.com, Golf Channel App, NBC Sports App.
• Key Tee Times: Keep an eye on the early groups to see if anyone makes a move, and don’t miss the star-studded pairings later in the day.
• Player to Watch: Jeeno Thitikul, aiming to extend her lead and chase that maiden major title.

This is where the tournament starts to heat up. Friday’s round is critical for setting the stage for the weekend. Players will be fighting to make the cut and position themselves for a run at the championship. Whether you’re a seasoned golf fanatic or just tuning in for the drama of a major, Round 2 promises to be a thrilling watch. Don’t get caught off guard by the early start times; set those alarms and get ready for some world-class golf from Royal Lytham.

The AIG Women’s Open is more than just another tournament; it’s a major championship, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Royal Lytham and St. Annes provides a historic and challenging backdrop for these incredible athletes to showcase their skills. With Jeeno Thitikul holding a strong lead after a record-breaking performance, the pressure is on. Friday’s second round will be pivotal in determining who stays in contention and who falls by the wayside. Make sure you’re tuned in to witness every crucial shot, every dramatic moment, and the unfolding story of who will emerge as a contender heading into the weekend.

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of professional golf and understand the nuances of major championships, resources like the official AIG Women’s Open website offer extensive information on players, course history, and tournament updates. Understanding the traditions and challenges of venues like Royal Lytham can significantly enhance your appreciation of the game.