The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be raised once again, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s purse has grown. The world’s elite female golfers will converge on Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, vying for a share of a $10 million (£7.43 million) total prize fund. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also used the occasion to confirm the venues for the next two editions of the championship.
In 2027 the tournament will move to the historic Royal St George’s course, while the 2028 edition will be staged on the Old Course at Sunningdale. Darbon praised Sunningdale’s reputation, noting, “We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time. It will be the fifth time the championship has been held there and the first since 2008.” In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million total, the R&A has added an extra $250,000 (£185,651) to the 2026 purse after the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open. That year, Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured her first major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes, a result that helped demonstrate the growing global appeal of women’s golf and justified the increase in prize money.
The 2026 tournament also carries special significance because it marks the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The inaugural event was won by Jenny Lee Smith in 1967, when the total prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500).
Over the past five decades the championship has evolved from a modest national competition into one of the most prestigious events on the women’s professional calendar, and the $10 million prize pool underscores how far the tournament has come. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically for the 2026 edition. Fans in the United Kingdom and the United States will enjoy roughly 20 percent more live television hours than in 2025, with full‑day coverage on Sky Sports from July 29 through August 2. Early‑round windows will give viewers a glimpse of the opening leaders at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while marquee groups will be featured between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m. The main broadcast block will run from 1 p.m.
to 7 p.m. each day, delivering comprehensive, uninterrupted action for the entire tournament week. Darbon emphasized the importance of this expanded coverage, stating, “Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition and with a 20 % increase in live hours compared to 2025, we are setting a new benchmark for women’s golf. The AIG Women’s Open now delivers more linear television broadcast hours in the UK and US than any other women’s golf championship, giving fans unprecedented access to the very best players in the world.
This is another important step forward as we continue to invest in the Championship and grow its global audience.” The increased prize money, enhanced television exposure, and the historic venues slated for 2027 and 2028 all point to a strategic effort by the R&A to elevate the status of women’s golf on the world stage. By offering a $10 million purse, the organization hopes to attract even more top talent, encourage greater sponsorship, and inspire the next generation of female golfers.
The financial boost also aligns with broader industry trends, as other major tours and tournaments are expanding their own prize funds to reflect the growing popularity and commercial viability of women’s sport. Beyond the financial and broadcast upgrades, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will feature a range of ancillary events designed to engage fans and promote the game. Pro‑am tournaments, community outreach programs, and youth clinics will be held throughout the week, giving local residents and aspiring golfers the chance to interact with the sport’s biggest stars. These initiatives are part of a larger commitment by the R&A to make the championship not only a premier competitive event but also a catalyst for grassroots development.
For viewers who prefer streaming, Sky Sports will also offer a contract‑free streaming option, ensuring that fans can watch all four rounds of the championship live, regardless of their location or preferred platform. This flexibility reflects the evolving media consumption habits of modern audiences and ensures that the AIG Women’s Open remains accessible to a global fan base. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark edition: a $10 million prize pool, expanded live coverage, a historic venue, and a series of fan‑focused activities all combine to celebrate the tournament’s 50‑year legacy while looking ahead to an even brighter future for women’s golf.