The R&A has announced that the official prize fund for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will rise to $10 million (£7.43 million), marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s purse has been expanded. The elite field of women’s golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, each hoping to claim a share of the newly enlarged pot.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also disclosed the venues for the next two editions of the championship. In 2027 the tournament will move to Royal St George’s, while the 2028 edition is slated for the Old Course at Sunningdale. Darbon praised Sunningdale’s reputation, saying, “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.” In addition to the $10 million total, the R&A has added a further $250,000 (£185,651) to the 2026 purse. This increase follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured her first major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. The extra money reflects the organization’s commitment to rewarding the sport’s top talent and to encouraging greater competition.
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 grown from a modest national competition into one of the premier majors on the women’s golf calendar, and the new $10 million prize pool underscores that evolution.
Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically as well. Sky Sports has confirmed that viewers will enjoy roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, with a schedule that spans the entire week of competition. Early‑round windows will showcase the opening players, while marquee groups will be highlighted between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m. Full‑day coverage will run from 1 p.m.
to 7 p.m. each day from July 29 through August 2, giving fans unprecedented access to the action. Darbon emphasized the significance of the 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. 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 viewers and sponsors, further cementing the tournament’s status as a flagship event. With the prize money now rivaling that of many men’s majors, the AIG Women’s Open is sending a clear message about the growing commercial viability and competitive depth of women’s golf. Beyond the financial and broadcast enhancements, the tournament will feature a rich program of ancillary events. Junior clinics, fan zones, and interactive experiences are planned throughout the week to engage both seasoned supporters and newcomers to the sport.
These initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of female golfers and to showcase the sport’s inclusive spirit. The field for 2026 is already shaping up to be exceptionally strong. Past champions such as Nelly Korda, who has been described as "unbelievable" by peers, will be looking to add another major to her résumé.
Charley Hull, who recently downplayed any rivalry with Korda, will be eager to prove herself again after a close finish in 2025. Meanwhile, rising stars like Minami Katsu and other international contenders will be seeking to make their mark on the historic links.
In the broader context of the women’s golf calendar, the AIG Women’s Open sits alongside other marquee events such as the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, where players like Jenny Shin are chasing their first LPGA title in over a decade. The timing of the Open, as the final women’s major of the year, adds an extra layer of drama, as players vie for the ultimate season‑ending accolade. For fans who wish to follow every swing, the tournament will be streamed live via Sky Sports’ digital platform, with subscription options that do not require a long‑term contract. This flexibility ensures that viewers around the world can tune in to the action, whether they are watching from a living room, a café, or on the go.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a watershed moment for the sport. With a $10 million prize pool, expanded broadcast hours, and a historic venue that will host the world’s elite women golfers, the event promises to deliver unforgettable competition and to further elevate the profile of women’s golf on a global stage.