The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will be boosted to $10 million (approximately £7.43 million), marking the sixth straight year of increases. The tournament will be contested at the storied links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, where the world’s elite women golfers will vie for a share of the enlarged purse. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also disclosed the future venues for the championship.
He confirmed that the 2028 edition will move to the historic Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 Open will be staged at Royal St George's. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time," Darbon said, adding that the club will host the event for the fifth time, the first since 2008. In addition to the $10 million total, the 2026 purse includes an extra $250,000 (£185,651) added on top of the 2025 amount.
This uplift follows the success of the previous year’s tournament, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured her maiden major title by beating Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. The 2026 championship also carries special significance as 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 half‑century the event has grown from a modest regional competition into one of the premier showcases in women’s golf, with prize money now measured in the tens of millions. Broadcast coverage will be dramatically expanded this year. Sky Sports has committed to delivering roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, giving fans a richer viewing experience throughout the week-long event.
Early‑round windows will feature live look‑ins at the opening groups at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while marquee morning sessions will be shown between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Full‑scale coverage will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day, from July 29 through August 2. "Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition," Darbon explained.
"With a 20 percent 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 heightened exposure is expected to attract even more sponsors, further cementing the tournament’s status as a flagship event on the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour.
The larger purse not only rewards the champion—who can anticipate a six‑figure winner’s share—but also provides deeper financial support for players finishing lower on the leaderboard, helping to sustain professional careers across the sport. Beyond the financial and media upgrades, the R&A is also focusing on enhancing the on‑course experience for competitors. Royal Lytham & St Annes, renowned for its deep bunkers, rugged dunes and challenging finishing holes, will be prepared to meet the highest standards of playability and spectator safety.
The club’s historic ties to major championships—including multiple Open Championships—make it a fitting venue for this milestone edition. The tournament will also feature a range of ancillary events aimed at growing the game among younger players and women’s golf enthusiasts. Pro‑am tournaments, community outreach programs, and junior clinics will run alongside the main competition, offering opportunities for local talent to interact with the sport’s biggest stars.
In the broader context of women's golf, the AIG Women’s Open continues to lead the way in prize‑money growth. Other major championships have followed suit, but the Open remains at the forefront, now offering a total purse that rivals the men’s majors in many respects. This financial parity is part of a larger movement within the sport to close the gender gap and provide equitable opportunities for female athletes. The 2026 edition will also be a showcase for emerging talent.
After Miyu Yamashita’s breakthrough in 2025, many rising stars are expected to challenge the established order. Players such as Nelly Korda, who has been likened to a female Tiger Woods by former champion Catriona Matthew, and other top‑ranked competitors will be closely watched.
Fans can watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports throughout July, either through a traditional subscription or via a streaming package with no long‑term contract required. The expanded coverage, combined with the historic prize fund and the iconic venue, promises a memorable celebration of half a century of elite women’s golf.