Early Morning Action at Lytham
The second round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open kicks off early Friday morning at Royal Lytham and St. Annes, bringing a unique challenge for fans watching from home. According to Golf.com, the coverage begins at 4 a.m. ET on the Golf Channel, a time slot that rewards the most dedicated viewers. The field is already shaken up after Jeeno Thitikul fired a Women’s Open record seven-under 64 on Day 1. That score charged the 23-year-old into an early two-shot lead. While the course demands precision, Thitikul’s opening round suggests she is ready to handle the pressure of the links. The stakes are high as she looks to convert this momentum into her first major championship title.
Thitikul’s Record-Breaking Start
Jeeno Thitikul is 23 years old and has already won nine LPGA events, yet she is missing a major championship title from her resume. This context makes her current position at Royal Lytham particularly significant for her career trajectory. Golf.com reported that her seven-under 64 set a new benchmark for the tournament, putting her two shots clear of the pack. The young star has shown consistency throughout her short career, but this weekend offers a chance to cement her legacy. The tee times for the leaders will be crucial, as the morning light at Lytham can change quickly. Golf Channel’s Friday telecast runs from 4-8 a.m. ET, providing the initial window to see how Thitikul defends her lead. USA’s telecast will start at 8 a.m. ET, ensuring fans have multiple hours to follow the action. Additional streaming coverage for the second round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be available via Golfchannel.com, the Golf Channel App, and the NBC Sports App. This ensures that even those who miss the early start can catch up on the drama. The early groups are scheduled to tee off starting at 1:30 a.m. ET, with groups featuring Jing Yan, Agathe Laisne, and Lauren Walsh leading the way. Kelsey Bennett, Weiwei Zhang, and Kajsa Arwefjall follow at 1:41 a.m. ET. Erika Hara, Chiara Tamburlini, and Melanie Green are set for 1:52 a.m. ET. Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Kana Nagai, and Esme Hamilton tee off at 2:03 a.m. ET. Shiho Kuwaki and Helen are scheduled for 2:14 a.m. ET, though the third player in that group remains unidentified in current reports.
Can She Hold the Lead?
For a player with nine wins, the pressure of holding a two-shot lead at a major is different than any other week on tour. Thitikul has the skill to win, but Royal Lytham is known for punishing wayward shots. The wind off the Irish Sea will play a massive role in how the leaderboard shapes up. If she can navigate the deep rough and tricky bunkers, she has a real shot at becoming the first Thai woman to win a major. The early start times mean the leaders will play in varying conditions, which could help or hurt her chances. Fans should keep a close eye on her putting, as that was a key part of her opening round success. The broadcast teams will likely focus heavily on her every move, given the historic nature of her start. With USA picking up the coverage at 8 a.m. ET, viewers will see the critical mid-day swing where the leaderboard often shifts.
What to Watch Next
The second round continues with tee times stretching throughout the early morning hours. Golf Channel opens the coverage at 4 a.m. ET on Friday, so set your alarms if you want to catch the leaders. The action moves to USA at 8 a.m. ET and runs until 2 p.m. ET. This schedule provides ample time to watch the field react to the course conditions and Thitikul’s record-breaking pace. Don’t miss the chance to see history in the making as the 23-year-old chases her first major title.
