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 purse has been enlarged. 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) total prize fund. In addition to the financial boost, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon disclosed the future venues for the next two editions of the championship.
The 2028 AIG Women’s Open is slated to move to the Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament will be staged at the renowned Royal St George's. Darbon emphasized the appeal of Sunningdale, noting, "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." This year’s purse also includes a supplemental $250,000 (about £185,651), an addition that follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open. That event saw Japan’s Miyu Yamashita capture her maiden major title, edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes.
The extra funding reflects the R&A’s commitment to rewarding top‑level competition and further incentivising participation from the sport’s leading figures. The 2026 edition is particularly significant because it marks the 50th anniversary of the tournament, which was originally launched as the Women’s British Open in 1967.
The inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted a modest prize of $673.31 (roughly £500). Over the past half‑century the event has evolved into one of the most prestigious majors in women’s golf, and the $10 million purse underscores just how far it has come.
Broadcast coverage will also expand dramatically. Sky Sports has committed to delivering 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, offering fans a richer viewing experience across the entire week. Early rounds will feature windows that showcase the opening leaders at Royal Lytham & St Annes, with morning marquee groups broadcast between 9 am and 1 pm. Full‑scale main coverage will then run from 1 pm to 7 pm each day, spanning July 29 through August 2.
Darbon highlighted the strategic importance of this increase, 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 United Kingdom and the United States than any other women’s golf championship, granting unprecedented access to the sport’s top talent. "This is another important step forward as we continue to invest in the Championship and grow its global audience," Darlon said.
Beyond the prize money and television exposure, the tournament will feature a host of storylines that are already generating buzz. Charley Hull, who finished runner‑up in 2025, has downplayed any rivalry with world No. 1 Nelly Korda, describing the competition as "unbelievable" while focusing on her own quest for major glory. Meanwhile, the Ryder Cup 2027 preparations are underway, with Padraig Harrington appointed as Team Europe vice‑captain by Luke Donald, a development that adds further intrigue to the broader golf calendar.
Fans can also look forward to ancillary events and updates, such as the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open where Jenny Shin hopes to claim her first LPGA title in over a decade, and PGA Tour news like Lucas Glover’s clarification of AimPoint rumors after he removed his shoes during a round. These peripheral stories help round out a week of golf that promises excitement both on and off the course. For those eager to follow the action, all four rounds of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be streamed live on Sky Sports throughout July. Viewers can either subscribe to Sky Sports directly or opt for a contract‑free streaming option, ensuring that the historic milestone of a $10 million prize fund reaches the widest possible audience.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open stands out as a landmark event: a half‑century celebration, a record‑breaking purse, expanded broadcast hours, and a compelling field of competitors all converging on one of England’s most iconic links courses. The combination of financial incentive, media exposure, and historic significance is set to elevate the tournament to new heights, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of women’s professional golf.