The R&A has announced that the official prize fund 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. 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 pool. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also disclosed the venues for the next two editions of the championship.
The 2027 AIG Women’s Open will be staged at the venerable Royal St George’s Golf Club, while the 2028 tournament will travel to the Old Course at Sunningdale. Darbon highlighted that Sunningdale, which will host the event for the fifth time, offers an "outstanding venue" and will return after a twenty‑year hiatus—the last time the club hosted the Open was in 2008. In addition to the larger prize fund, the 2026 edition will see an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) added to the purse in recognition of the success of the 2025 tournament.
That year, Japan’s Miyu Yamashita captured her first major title, edging out England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese Minami Katsu by two strokes. Yamashita’s victory helped demonstrate the growing international appeal of the event and justified the decision to further invest in the championship’s financial rewards. The 2026 tournament also marks a milestone: the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open.
The inaugural champion, English golfer 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 competition has evolved from a modest national contest into a global showcase that now offers a multi‑million‑dollar purse and attracts the sport’s biggest stars. Broadcast coverage will be significantly expanded for the 2026 edition. Sky Sports has committed to delivering 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, providing fans with a richer viewing experience throughout the tournament week.
Early broadcast windows will focus on the opening rounds, showing how the early starters are faring on the challenging links. Prime‑time marquee groups will be featured between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m., with full main coverage running from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day from July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized that the increased coverage “sets a new benchmark for women’s golf,” noting that the AIG Women’s Open now offers more linear television hours in both the United Kingdom and the United States than any other women’s golf championship.
"Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition," Darbon said. "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 will include detailed leaderboards, weather updates, and tee‑time information for each round. Viewers can expect daily highlights, such as Day Three recaps and special features on leading contenders like Charley Hull, who has been vocal about her rivalry with Nelly Korda and remains in contention heading into the final round. The tournament’s official website will also provide live scores, player statistics, and interactive content for fans following the action from home.
For those who prefer streaming, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free option, allowing viewers to watch all four rounds of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open live on any compatible device. This flexibility is part of a broader strategy to make the event more accessible to a global audience, encouraging new fans to discover the excitement of women’s major golf.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark event: a $10 million prize pool, historic venues, an expanded broadcast schedule, and the celebration of half a century of elite women’s golf. The combination of financial incentives, world‑class courses, and heightened media exposure underscores the R&A’s commitment to elevating the championship’s stature and ensuring its continued growth for years to come.