The R&A has announced that the official prize purse for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will rise once more, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s financial rewards are being expanded. The world’s elite female golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, each vying for a share of a $10 million (£7.43 million) total prize fund.
In addition to the prize‑money increase, Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, disclosed the venues for the next two editions of the championship. The 2028 AIG Women’s Open will be staged on the venerable Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament is slated for the storied 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." The 2026 purse has been bolstered by an extra $250,000 (£185,651) in response to the strong showing of the 2025 edition. That year, Japan’s Miyu Yamashita clinched her first major title, edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. Her victory underscored the growing international depth of the field and helped justify the R&A’s decision to keep raising the financial stakes.
The upcoming tournament also carries a symbolic milestone: it will be 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 ensuing five decades, the event has evolved from a modest competition into one of the premier women’s majors, with the prize pool now measured in tens of millions of dollars. Broadcast coverage is set to expand dramatically as part of the R&A’s strategy to elevate the profile of women’s golf.
Sky Sports will deliver roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, offering fans an unprecedented window into the tournament. Early rounds will feature morning windows that showcase the opening leaders, while marquee groups will be highlighted between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Full main‑day coverage will run from 1 p.m.
to 7 p.m. each day of the competition, spanning July 29 through August 2.
Darbon explained the significance of the broadcast boost: "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. 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 not only benefit casual viewers but also provide deeper insight for analysts, sponsors, and aspiring golfers. By airing more tee times, groupings, and player interviews, Sky Sports aims to showcase the strategic nuances of links golf, the mental resilience required on challenging coastal courses, and the personal stories behind each competitor. Beyond the television screen, fans can follow the action via Sky Sports' streaming platform, which offers a contract‑free option for those who prefer online viewing.
This flexibility reflects the broader shift in sports consumption toward digital platforms, ensuring that the AIG Women’s Open remains accessible to a global audience. The tournament will also feature a robust schedule of ancillary events, including pro‑am rounds, junior clinics, and community outreach programs designed to inspire the next generation of female golfers. These initiatives align with the R&A's long‑term commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level, particularly in regions where women’s participation has historically lagged. As the field assembles, several storylines are already emerging.
Charley Hull, who finished runner‑up in 2025, has downplayed any rivalry with Nelly Korda, describing the competition as "unbelievable" and focusing on her own quest for a major title. Meanwhile, Thai prodigy Jeongeun Lee (Thitikul) has taken an early lead at Royal Lytham & St Annes, signaling that the tournament could produce another surprise champion. The 2026 AIG Women’s Open thus represents a confluence of tradition and progress: a historic venue, a record‑setting prize fund, expanded broadcast reach, and a half‑century of legacy.
Whether you are a longtime follower of the sport or a newcomer drawn by the heightened visibility, the upcoming championship promises high‑quality golf, compelling narratives, and a clear signal that women’s golf is moving firmly into the spotlight. Watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports this July, either via a traditional subscription or the contract‑free streaming service, and be part of a milestone moment in the sport's evolution.