The R&A has announced that the official prize fund for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be raised to $10 million (approximately £7.43 million), marking the sixth straight year of increases. The tournament will convene the world’s elite female golfers at the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in late July, all vying for a share of the enlarged purse.
In addition to the financial boost, the R&A’s chief executive, Mark Darbon, confirmed the future venues for the championship. The 2027 edition will move to Royal St George’s, while the 2028 tournament is slated for the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club. Darbon praised Sunningdale, noting, “We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time.
It will be the fifth occasion the championship is held there and the first since 2008.” The decision to add an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) to this year’s purse follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita clinched her first major title with a two‑stroke win over England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese Minami Katsu. The close finish and heightened media interest underscored the growing appeal of women’s golf, prompting the R&A to invest further in the event’s financial incentives. 2026 also marks a milestone: 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 (roughly £500). Over the past five decades the tournament has evolved from a modest competition into one of the premier majors in women’s golf, reflecting broader shifts in the sport’s popularity, sponsorship, and global reach. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically this year.
Sky Sports will deliver 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, offering fans a richer viewing experience across the tournament week. Early rounds will feature preview windows that showcase the opening leaders, while marquee groups will be highlighted between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m. Full‑scale coverage will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
each day, spanning July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized the significance of this development, 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, “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 is expected to attract new viewers and deepen engagement among existing fans, particularly as the sport continues to benefit from rising star power. Players such as Charley Hull, who recently downplayed a rivalry with world No.
1 Nelly Korda, are eager to add another major to their résumés. Meanwhile, rising talents like Lottie Woad and Jeongeun “Jeeno” Lee have already made headlines by posting early leads at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Beyond the tournament itself, the broader golf calendar is buzzing. Padraig Harrington has been named vice‑captain for Team Europe in the 2027 Ryder Cup, a role announced by Luke Donald, while the Rocket Classic in Detroit saw Rickie Fowler and Patrick Cantlay deliver strong performances as Peter Malnati posted a near‑record 59‑stroke round. For fans who wish to follow every swing, all four rounds of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be streamed live on Sky Sports throughout July.
Viewers can either subscribe to Sky Sports directly or opt for a contract‑free streaming option, ensuring that the tournament is accessible to a wide audience. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a significant step forward for women’s professional golf. The $10 million prize fund, the expanded broadcast schedule, and the historic venue at Royal Lytham & St Annes combine to create a compelling showcase for the sport’s top talent.
As the championship approaches its 50th anniversary, the R&A’s continued investment signals confidence in the tournament’s future growth and its role in elevating women’s golf on the global stage.