The R&A has announced that the official prize money for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will rise once more, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s purse has been enlarged. The elite field of women’s golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, competing 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 storied Royal St George's course, while the 2028 edition will be staged on the Old Course at Sunningdale. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time," Darbon said, adding that this will be the fifth occasion the championship is held there and the first since 2008.
In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million purse, the R&A has injected an extra $250,000 (£185,651) into this year’s prize pool. The increase follows the dramatic finish to the 2025 AIG Women's Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita edged out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes to claim her maiden major title. The extra cash is intended to reward the growing competitiveness of the tour and to reflect the event’s expanding global profile.
The 2026 tournament also carries special significance as the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The championship was first contested in 1967, when Jenny Lee Smith became its inaugural champion and the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500). Over the past half‑century the event has evolved from a modest national competition into one of the most prestigious major championships in women’s golf, with prize money now measured in millions rather than hundreds of dollars. Broadcast coverage will be another area of growth.
Sky Sports, the UK’s primary rights holder, will deliver roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025. Early morning windows on the first two days will showcase the opening rounds, giving viewers a glimpse of how the early starters are faring on the challenging dunes of Royal Lytham & St Annes. Throughout the week, marquee groups will be featured between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., with full main‑session coverage running from 1 p.m.
to 7 p.m. each day from July 29 through August 2. "Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition," Darbon explained. "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 expanded coverage is expected to attract new fans and deepen engagement among existing followers.
By offering more comprehensive live windows, Sky Sports aims to showcase the strategic nuances of links golf, the drama of the leaderboard, and the personalities of the competitors. The additional airtime will also provide sponsors with greater exposure, reinforcing the commercial viability of women's professional golf. Beyond the television audience, the tournament will be streamed online, allowing viewers without a Sky subscription to watch the action via a no‑contract streaming service.
This dual‑platform approach reflects a broader industry trend toward flexible, on‑demand viewing options that cater to a younger, digitally‑savvy demographic. The decision to increase the prize fund and broadcast hours aligns with the R&A’s long‑term strategy to elevate women’s golf to parity with the men’s game. By investing in higher payouts, premier venues, and extensive media coverage, the organization hopes to attract more top‑tier talent, inspire the next generation of golfers, and secure the championship’s status as a marquee event on the global sporting calendar.
As the 2026 AIG Women’s Open approaches, anticipation is building not only among the players but also among fans, sponsors, and broadcasters. The combination of a record‑breaking purse, historic venues, and expanded media exposure promises a landmark edition that will celebrate five decades of progress while pointing toward an even brighter future for women’s golf. Fans can tune in to watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports this July, or opt for the flexible streaming option that requires no long‑term contract.
Whether you are a longtime follower of the sport or a newcomer eager to witness the drama of major‑championship golf, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open offers a compelling showcase of skill, competition, and the continued growth of the women’s game.