The R&A has announced that the official prize fund for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will rise once again, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s purse has been increased. The elite field of women 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 pool.
This substantial financial commitment underscores the organization’s dedication to growing the women's game and rewarding excellence at the highest level. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also disclosed the venues for the next two editions of the championship. In 2027 the Open will move to the storied Royal St George's, while the 2028 tournament is slated for the Old Course at Sunningdale. Darbon emphasized that Sunningdale will provide "an outstanding venue" and noted that the 2028 event will be the fifth time the championship is held there, the first occasion since 2008.
This rotation among premier courses reflects the R&A’s strategy of showcasing the sport on a variety of classic links and parkland settings, each offering its own unique challenges for the world’s best players. In addition to the $10 million prize pool, the R&A has added an extra $250,000 (£185,651) to the purse for 2026, a decision driven by the success of the 2025 edition. That tournament saw Japan’s Miyu Yamashita claim her first major title, edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes.
Yamashita’s victory, coupled with strong fan engagement and robust media interest, convinced the R&A that further financial incentives were warranted to continue attracting top talent and to reward the growing competitiveness of the field. The 2026 tournament also marks a milestone: the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open.
The inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted the trophy in 1967 when the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500). Over the past five decades the event has transformed from a modest national championship into a globally recognized major, with prize money now measured in millions rather than hundreds of dollars. This evolution mirrors the broader rise of women’s professional golf, which has seen increased sponsorship, media coverage, and participation worldwide.
Broadcast coverage will expand significantly for the 2026 edition. Sky Sports, the primary UK broadcaster, will deliver 20 percent more live hours than in 2025, providing fans with a richer viewing experience throughout the tournament week. Early broadcast windows will showcase the opening rounds, giving audiences a glimpse of how the early starters are handling the demanding links at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Prime‑time slots will feature marquee groups between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m., with comprehensive main coverage running from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day from July 29 through August 2. Darbon highlighted that this increase in linear television hours makes the AIG Women’s Open the most widely televised women’s golf championship in both the UK and the United States, offering unprecedented access to the sport’s leading figures.
The expanded coverage is part of a broader strategy to grow the tournament’s global audience. By delivering more live content, the R&A aims to attract new fans, provide greater exposure for sponsors, and inspire the next generation of female golfers. Darbon noted that the additional broadcast hours set a new benchmark for women’s golf, reinforcing the championship’s status as a premier sporting event.
Fans will be able to watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports throughout July, either through a traditional Sky Sports subscription or via streaming options that do not require a long‑term contract. This flexibility ensures that viewers can choose the most convenient method to follow the action, whether they prefer a conventional television set‑up or a mobile device. Beyond the main tournament, the AIG Women’s Open sits within a busy calendar of women’s golf events.
Recent headlines have included the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, where Jenny Shin pursued her first LPGA title in over a decade, and the LIV Golf UK event where Lucas Herbert posted a record‑breaking 30‑under‑par score. These surrounding stories add context to the competitive landscape and highlight the depth of talent that will converge on Royal Lytham & St Annes.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a landmark moment for the sport: a $10 million prize fund, a historic venue, expanded broadcast coverage, and a half‑century of growth since its modest beginnings. As the world’s top women golfers prepare to tee off, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling competition, increased visibility, and a celebration of the progress made in women’s golf over the past fifty years.