The R&A has announced that the official prize money 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. This year’s championship will take place at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in July, and the elevated fund of $10 million (approximately £7.43 million) will be up for grabs by the world’s elite female golfers. Mark Darbon, the chief executive officer of the R&A, also used the occasion to disclose the venues for the next two editions of the event.
He confirmed that the 2028 AIG Women’s Open will be staged on the venerable Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament will move to the renowned Royal St George's. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years' time," Darbon said, adding that this will be the fifth occasion the championship is held there and the first since 2008.
In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million total, the R&A has added a further $250,000 (about £185,651) to the 2026 purse. The extra money follows a highly successful 2025 edition, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita clinched her maiden major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes.
Yamashita’s victory highlighted the growing international depth of the field and underscored the importance of rewarding top‑level competition with a more generous prize structure. The 2026 tournament also carries special significance because it marks the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open, which began in 1967 when Jenny Lee Smith became the inaugural champion. At that time, the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (roughly £500).
Over the past five decades the event has evolved from a modest national competition into a globally recognised major, and the current $10 million purse reflects that remarkable growth. Broadcast coverage will be expanded dramatically for the 2026 edition.
Sky Sports, the UK’s primary broadcaster for the event, will deliver roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025. Early rounds will feature dedicated windows that showcase the opening starters at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while marquee groups will be highlighted between 9 am and 1 pm each day. Full‑scale coverage will then resume from 1 pm until 7 pm, running daily from July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized that the enhanced broadcast schedule is a key component of the R&A’s strategy to raise the profile of women’s golf: "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 continued, "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." Beyond the increased prize money and expanded TV schedule, the R&A is also working to enhance the overall fan experience. In‑person spectators at Royal Lytham & St Annes will benefit from upgraded hospitality areas, interactive fan zones, and a broader range of merchandise options that celebrate the tournament’s golden jubilee. The organization is also partnering with several charitable initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in golf, particularly among girls from under‑represented communities.
The decision to locate the 2028 edition at Sunningdale’s Old Course is especially noteworthy. Sunningdale is revered for its classic heathland layout, strategic bunkering, and the subtle undulations that demand precise shot‑making. Returning to this venue after a 15‑year hiatus is expected to generate excitement among both players and fans, as the course’s reputation for rewarding strategic play aligns well with the skill set of the modern women’s game.
Meanwhile, Royal St George’s, slated to host the 2027 tournament, will provide a contrasting seaside challenge with its famous dunes, firm fairways, and unpredictable coastal winds. The alternating venues over the next three years illustrate the R&A’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of historic courses, each offering unique tests that will shape the narrative of the championship. In the broader context of professional golf, the AIG Women’s Open continues to solidify its status alongside the men’s majors.
The tournament’s growing prize fund, expanded media footprint, and strategic venue selections signal a deliberate push to elevate women’s golf to equal prominence on the global stage. This momentum is reflected in the increased interest from sponsors, broadcasters, and fans worldwide, all eager to witness the sport’s top talent compete for one of the most prestigious titles in golf. For those who cannot attend the event in person, Sky Sports will broadcast all four rounds live throughout July. Viewers can subscribe to Sky Sports directly or stream the coverage via the network’s online platform without committing to a long‑term contract, ensuring that the tournament is accessible to a broad audience.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark edition: a $10 million prize pool, a historic venue at Royal Lytham & St Annes, an expanded broadcast schedule, and a celebration of fifty years of women’s major championship history. With the added anticipation of future venues at Royal St George’s and Sunningdale, the tournament is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and prestige, offering players, fans, and stakeholders an unforgettable experience on the world’s premier stages of golf.