The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, known as 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 be staged at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in July, and the elevated $10 million (approximately £7.43 million) prize fund is set to attract the world’s elite female golfers, all eager to claim a share of the expanded winnings. Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, also used the occasion to reveal the future venues for the championship.
He confirmed that the 2028 edition will move to the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club, while the 2027 tournament will be hosted by Royal St George’s. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time," Darbon said, noting that this will be the fifth occasion the championship is played at Sunningdale and the first since 2008.
In addition to the larger prize pool, tournament officials have added an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) to this year’s purse, a decision motivated by the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open. That previous edition saw Japan’s Miyu Yamashita capture her first major title with a two‑stroke victory over England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese Minami Katsu. The strong competition and heightened public interest from 2025 helped justify the further financial boost for 2026. The 2026 event also carries special significance as the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open.
The tournament’s inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted the trophy in 1967 when the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (roughly £500). Over the past five decades the championship has grown dramatically, evolving from a modest national competition into one of the premier events on the global women’s golf calendar, now offering a prize pool that is nearly fifteen thousand times larger than it was at its inception. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically as well. Sky Sports, the primary broadcaster in the United Kingdom, will deliver roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, giving fans a richer viewing experience across the five‑day tournament.
Early rounds will feature dedicated windows that showcase the performances of the early starters, while the marquee morning groups will be highlighted between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Full‑scale coverage will then run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day, spanning July 29 through August 2.
Darbon emphasized the importance of this 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." He added that the AIG Women’s Open now provides more linear television hours in both the UK and the United States than any other women’s golf championship, offering 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 main tournament, the build‑up to the 2026 Open includes a series of related news items and events.
The ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open will see Japanese golfer Jenny Shin chase her first LPGA title in more than a decade, while the PGA Tour will feature Lucas Glover addressing speculation about his AimPoint strategy after he famously removed his shoes mid‑round. In the LIV Golf circuit, Lucas Herbert will aim to defend his recent record‑setting 30‑under‑par performance, and other notable players such as Lottie Woad and Nelly Korda will be preparing for the challenges at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Fans who wish to follow all four rounds live can do so via Sky Sports, either through a traditional subscription or via the network’s streaming platform, which offers a contract‑free option. The expanded broadcast schedule, combined with the larger prize fund and the historic 50th‑year milestone, underscores the R&A’s commitment to elevating women’s golf to new heights and ensuring that the AIG Women’s Open remains a flagship event on the international sporting calendar.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises a landmark tournament: a $10 million prize pool, historic venues, expanded television coverage, and a half‑century of legacy. It will be a celebration of the sport’s growth, the talent of its players, and the ongoing dedication of organizers to push the boundaries of what women’s golf can achieve.