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Women’s golf has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years and as we step into 2026, the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour are both brimming with talent.
TV viewership figures for the women’s game continue to climb as record-breaking numbers of fans tune in to what has become an elite level competition on the greens and fairways.
With interest growing and participation booming, we’ve zeroed in on the top female golfers on the circuit below, analysing their form, achievements and potential to improve.
1. Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand)
Currently occupying top spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Jeeno Thitkul can claim to be the world’s top female golfer at present. The 22-year-old Thai sensation made a major splash when introduced to the LPGA scene as a precocious teen and fast became the world number one in 2022.
Her 2025 campaign was typically masterful and including multiple LPGA wins and a run to second place at the Evian Championship major.
Thitikul’s strengths are her precision iron play and accurate putting, traits that she has combined to good use over the past three years. She also wields a mental robustness that makes her a favourite among punters in latter round markets on UK golf betting sites.
In 2026, the target is success at the Majors and if Thitikul maintains her trajectory, more silverware should be in the offing.
2. Nelly Korda (USA)
Current world number two and chief rival to Thitikul is America’s Nelly Korda. The Florida native hits the courses with her unique blend of poise and power, and a haul of 15+ LPGA Tour wins points to her prowess.
The Olympic gold medallist (Tokyo) has secured two Major titles during her career, first in the Women’s PGA Championship in 2021, followed by her most recent triumph at the Chevron Championship in 2024.
Considered a global ambassador for the game, the 27-year-old has inspired a generation of young players in the USA. In 2026, Korda’s battle with Thitikul should make for compelling viewing.
3. Minjee Lee (Australia)
Australia’s Minjee Lee holds firm at No. 3 in the Rolex rankings, which is a testament to her consistency and major-winning pedigree.
Born in Perth, the 29-year-old is a household name in OZ, thanks in part to her three Major career wins. Lee earned those honours in 2021 (Evian Championship), 2022 (US Women’s Open) and Women’s PGA Championship (2025).
Lee’s journey from junior prodigy to LPGA staple includes over double-figure tour wins, with her short game often stealing the show. In golf betting terms, Lee should be an excellent value pick for majors in 2026, especially given her record of success.
4. Lydia Ko (New Zealand)
Lydia Ko is an established name on the women’s links and though she remains just behind the front runners in rankings, she should be a prime contender for major glory again in 2026.
The New Zealander spawned headlines around the world when she won her first LPGA event at the age of just 15. She’s made massive strides since, winning three majors (2015, 2016 & 2024), plus an Olympic gold medal at Paris 24).
Indeed, her recent resurgence has been one of the most captivating plotlines in women’s golf. Ko combines youthful energy with experience play, making her a role model for many. In 2026, she should be at the forefront of everything positive the women’s game produces again.
5. Charley Hull (England)
Kettering’s Charley Hull has been flying the flag for UK golf against her illustrious rivals from further afield. The 29-year-old reached a career-high ranking of No. 5 in 2025, highlighting the improvements she has made to her game.
Hull plays the game fearlessly and likes to bomb drives down the fairways and gamble on medium to long-range putts. Her approach has earned her something of a cult following.
Success at majors has eluded her so far, though she has come close on a number of occasions, finishing second at the Chevron Championship in 2016, the Evian Championship in 2022 and the Women’s British Open (2023 & 2025). Could 2026 be the year when Hull finally cracks it?
Other Emerging Stars to Follow Closely
Beyond the names mentioned above, there are more rising talents threatening to shake up the rankings and upset the established order.
Rose Zhang (USA), with two LPGA Tour wins at the age of just 22, falls into that category. Swede Linn Grant, who has accumulated 13 professional wins and triumphed in The Annika in November last year, is another name threatening to rise.
Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, who won two events, including a major, at the back end of 2025 (AIG Women’s Open and Maybank Championship), could be another breakout starlet in 2026. The 24-year-old has long been tipped for a career at the very top and she is starting to realise her potential.
