The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will rise once again, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s financial backing has been increased. The world’s elite female golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, competing for a share of a $10 million (approximately £7.43 million) purse. This substantial boost reflects the governing body’s commitment to growing the women’s game and rewarding the sport’s top talent. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also used the announcement to confirm the venue for the 2028 edition of the championship.
The 2028 AIG Women’s Open will be staged on the Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament will move to Royal St George’s. Darbon explained, “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.” The return to Sunningdale underscores the R&A’s desire to rotate the event among a variety of classic courses, offering players and fans a diverse set of challenges.
In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million prize fund, the R&A has added an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) to this year’s purse. The decision follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured a two‑stroke victory over Charley Hull and Minami Katsu to claim her first major title.
Yamashita’s triumph helped raise the profile of the tournament and demonstrated the growing international appeal of women’s golf. The 2026 edition will also be a milestone year, marking the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The championship’s inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted the trophy in 1967 when the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (roughly £500).
Over the past half‑century, the event has transformed from a modest national competition into one of the most lucrative and prestigious women’s majors in the world, reflecting both the sport’s expansion and the increasing commercial interest from sponsors and broadcasters. Broadcast coverage of the 2026 tournament is set to expand dramatically. Fans in the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond will enjoy about 20 percent more live television hours than in 2025. Sky Sports will be the primary carrier, delivering comprehensive coverage from the opening round on July 29 through to the final round on August 2.
Early broadcast windows will showcase the opening rounds, giving viewers a glimpse of how the early starters are performing on the challenging links. Mid‑morning marquee groups will be featured between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m., while full main‑event coverage will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Darbon emphasized the importance of this increased exposure, 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.” He added that the AIG Women’s Open now provides more linear television hours in both the UK and the US than any other women’s golf championship, granting fans unprecedented access to the sport’s top athletes. The expanded coverage is expected to attract new audiences and deepen engagement with existing fans. By delivering more live content, the R&A hopes to showcase the drama, skill and personalities that define the women’s game. This aligns with broader strategic goals to grow the global audience for women’s golf, increase sponsorship opportunities, and inspire the next generation of players.
Beyond the main tournament, the lead‑up to the AIG Women’s Open includes a slate of other high‑profile events that will shape the competitive landscape. The ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, for example, will see players such as Jenny Shin aiming for her first LPGA title in more than a decade. Meanwhile, other notable performances on the circuit, like Lucas Herbert’s record‑breaking 30‑under‑par victory in LIV Golf UK, and Jerry Kelly’s Senior Open triumph at Gleneagles, add to the narrative richness surrounding the major.
For fans who cannot attend in person, the tournament will be available to stream online via Sky Sports’ digital platforms, offering flexible viewing options without a long‑term contract. This approach reflects the evolving media consumption habits of sports audiences, who increasingly prefer on‑demand and mobile-friendly options. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a landmark moment for women’s golf.
With a historic $10 million prize pool, an expanded broadcast schedule, and the celebration of the event’s 50‑year legacy, the tournament is poised to set new standards for competitiveness, visibility and commercial success. The combination of world‑class venues—Royal Lytham & St Annes this year, Royal St George’s in 2027, and Sunningdale in 2028—ensures that the championship will continue to challenge the best players while captivating fans worldwide. As the sport continues to grow, the R&A’s commitment to investment and innovation promises a bright future for the women’s game, inspiring both current champions and the next generation of golfers.