The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will be raised to $10 million (£7.43 million), marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s purse has grown. The increase comes as the world’s elite women golfers prepare to converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, each hoping to claim a share of the expanded 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 Open will move to the storied Royal St George’s course, while the 2028 tournament will be staged on the Old Course at Sunningdale. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time," Darbon said, noting that this will be the fifth occasion the club has hosted the event and the first since 2008.
The decision to add an extra $250,000 (£185,651) to this year’s purse follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured her first major title with a two‑stroke victory over Charley Hull and Minami Katsu. Yamashita’s breakthrough win helped demonstrate the growing global appeal of women’s golf and reinforced the R&A’s commitment to investing in the championship. 2026 also marks a milestone year: the 50th anniversary of the tournament, which was first contested in 1967 when Jenny Lee Smith lifted the inaugural trophy.
At that time the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500). Over the ensuing five decades the competition has evolved from a modest national event into a premier international major, with prize money now measured in tens of millions of dollars and broadcast reach extending across continents. In line with the financial boost, the R&A is expanding television coverage dramatically. Sky Sports will broadcast 20 percent more live footage than in 2025, providing fans with a richer viewing experience throughout the week-long event.
Early rounds will feature morning windows that showcase the opening leaders at Royal Lytham & St Annes, with marquee groups shown between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Full‑day coverage will then run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day from July 29 to August 2, ensuring that viewers in the UK, the US and elsewhere can follow the action from tee‑off to the final putt. "Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition," Darbon explained.
"With a 20 percent 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 enhanced coverage is expected to attract new sponsors, increase fan engagement, and inspire the next generation of female golfers. By making the sport more visible, the R&A hopes to encourage greater participation at grassroots levels, particularly in regions where women’s golf has traditionally been under‑represented.
Beyond the prize money and TV schedule, the tournament will feature a host of ancillary events designed to celebrate the sport’s heritage. A series of pro‑am competitions will allow amateurs to play alongside professionals, while a women’s golf symposium will run alongside the main event, offering panels on topics such as performance psychology, equipment technology, and the business of sport. These initiatives aim to provide a holistic platform that not only showcases elite competition but also fosters education and networking within the women’s golf community.
The 2026 edition will also be notable for its commitment to sustainability. The R&A has pledged to implement a range of eco‑friendly measures at Royal Lytham & St Annes, including reduced single‑use plastics, carbon‑offsetting for travel, and the use of renewable energy for tournament operations. These steps reflect a broader industry trend toward greener sporting events and align with the growing expectations of fans and sponsors alike.
As the tournament approaches, speculation is already swirling around potential contenders. In addition to defending champion Miyu Yamashita, other top‑ranked players such as Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, and Lexi Thompson are expected to be in contention.
Analysts point to Korda’s recent surge in form and her ability to dominate under pressure, while veteran players like Inbee Park bring a wealth of experience that could prove decisive on the challenging links. The combination of a historic venue, a record‑setting prize pool, expanded broadcast hours, and a focus on sustainability positions the 2026 AIG Women’s Open as a landmark moment for the sport. Whether you are a longtime follower of women’s golf or a newcomer drawn by the increased visibility, the tournament promises a compelling showcase of skill, strategy, and athletic excellence. Fans can watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports this July, either through a traditional subscription or via a contract‑free streaming option.
The R&A encourages viewers worldwide to tune in, celebrate the 50th anniversary, and witness the next chapter in the evolution of women’s golf.