The R&A has announced that the official prize purse for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will rise once again, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s financial rewards have been increased. The world’s elite female golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, each hoping to claim 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 reveal the venue schedule for the next two editions of the championship. In 2027 the tournament will move to the venerable Royal St George's, while the 2028 Open will be staged on the Old Course at Sunningdale.
"We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time," Darbon said. "It will be the fifth time the championship has been held there 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 England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese Minami Katsu. The close finish and strong international field underscored the growing appeal of the event, prompting the R&A to further invest in prize money and broadcast reach.
2026 also marks a milestone for the championship: 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 past five decades the event has evolved from a modest national competition into a globally recognised major, now offering a prize pool that is more than fifteen thousand times larger than its original amount. In addition to the financial boost, the R&A has pledged a substantial increase in television coverage.
Viewers will enjoy roughly 20 percent more live broadcast hours than in 2025, with Sky Sports delivering comprehensive coverage throughout the week. Early rounds will feature morning windows that showcase the opening leaders at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while marquee groups will be highlighted between 9 am and 1 pm. Full‑day main programming will run from 1 pm to 7 pm each day from July 29 through August 2, ensuring fans can follow the action from tee‑off to the final putt.
"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," Darbon explained. "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 sponsors, deepen fan engagement, and inspire the next generation of golfers.
By offering more airtime, the R&A hopes to showcase not only the competition itself but also the stories behind the athletes, the strategic nuances of links golf, and the rich history of each host venue. Beyond the prize money and broadcast enhancements, the R&A is also focusing on the overall tournament experience. Initiatives include upgraded hospitality areas for players and officials, enhanced spectator amenities at Royal Lytham & St Annes, and a renewed emphasis on sustainability, with measures to reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly practices throughout the week-long event.
The 2026 Open will also be a platform for several high‑profile storylines. Former major champions such as Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose are set to appear in related events, while rising stars like Nelly Korda are expected to contend for the top spot. Discussions about leadership in the sport continue, with figures like Scottie Scheffler expressing interest in influencing future U.S. Ryder Cup captain selections, and Catriona Matthew highlighting the potential for Korda to become a dominant force akin to Tiger Woods in the women's game.
Fans who wish to watch the tournament live can subscribe to Sky Sports or stream the coverage without a long‑term contract, ensuring easy access for a global audience. Whether tuning in from the UK, the United States, or elsewhere, viewers will be able to follow every round, every shot, and every dramatic swing that defines the AIG Women's Open. In summary, the 2026 edition of the AIG Women's Open represents a significant step forward for women's professional golf. With a $10 million prize pool, a historic venue, expanded broadcast hours, and a host of ancillary initiatives aimed at enhancing the sport’s profile, the tournament is poised to deliver an unforgettable week of competition and celebration as it marks its golden jubilee.