Opening Golf to the World
AIG Womens Open
Hall ready to pass the torch as AIG Women’s Open return brings full-circle moment
29 Jul 26
4 mins
Returning to the scene of her greatest victory, Georgia Hall arrives at Royal Lytham & St Annes for this week’s AIG Women’s Open with goosebumps, cherished memories, and a desire to inspire golf's next generation.
Six years on from her memorable triumph, the 2018 Champion admits that driving through the gates brought back a rush of emotions as she prepares to tackle the Lancashire links once again. "It was really cool to drive in on Monday, and it gave me goosebumps," said Hall, reflecting on her iconic walk down the 18th hole. "I just remember everyone standing up on the grandstands and cheering my name. Walking down there with a three-shot lead made it a bit more enjoyable, but for it to be in England was extra special. It was my rookie year on the LPGA, so it was the highlight of my career." As the Championship gets under way, Hall’s opening rounds will feature a marquee grouping that bridges the past, present, and future of the game. Grouped alongside 2019 Champion Hinako Shibuno and reigning Women’s Amateur Champion Valentine Delon, Hall finds herself stepping into the role of mentor.
Hall will play in a group with Valentine Delon, winner of The 2026 Women's Amateur Championship.
Having shared a practice round with Delon ahead of the tournament, Hall recognised the challenge and opportunity facing the young French player.
"I played with her yesterday," said Hall. "She’s obviously a great player, winning The Women’s Amateur Championship. I played in two AIG Women’s Opens as an amateur myself – at St Andrews and Royal Birkdale – and I definitely remember what it was like.
"You're on such a high. You're playing against the best in the world, so the advice I would give is to give yourself a break and really enjoy the experience."
Hall’s own pathway was forged through the amateur ranks. Her standout victory at The Women’s Amateur Championship back in 2013 was immediately followed by winning the Smyth Salver as leading amateur at St Andrews – a sensational double that provided the springboard for a career that reached its summit on the Royal Lytham & St Annes fairways five years later.
Georgia Hall won The Women's Amateur Championship trophy in 2013.
That journey reflects a pillar of The R&A’s strategy by inspiring the next generation of golfers through world-class professional and amateur championships.
For Hall, seeing young talent emerge on a major stage reinforces the vital role that early Championship opportunities play in a player's development.
"They're in this event for a reason, because they are great players, and hopefully they have many more to play," Hall added, regarding the amateurs making their tournament debuts.
"They shouldn't put any pressure on themselves – just enjoy the week, try to learn from the best in the world, and learn how to enjoy the pressure."
That mental resilience will be put to the test on a heavily bunkered layout that Hall describes as requiring the most tactical approach of any course on the schedule.
But as she balances her return to competition with family life following the birth of her son, Conor, Hall’s presence in the field offers an inspiring roadmap for those following in her footsteps.
Visit the AIG Women's Open website for all the information on tee times ahead of the Championship.