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 expanded. The elite field of women’s golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, all vying 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 future venues for the championship.
The 2028 edition is slated to take place on the Old Course at Sunningdale, 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, adding that this will be the fifth occasion the championship has been staged there and the first since 2008. In addition to the larger overall purse, officials have injected an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) into the 2026 prize fund.
This increase follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured her first major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. The boost reflects the tournament’s growing commercial appeal and its commitment to rewarding the sport’s top talent.
The 2026 edition also carries special significance as 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 event has transformed from a modest competition into one of the most prestigious majors in women’s golf, with a prize pool that now dwarfs its original amount.
Broadcast coverage will see a substantial expansion as well. Fans can expect roughly 20 percent more live television time throughout the tournament week, with the entire schedule being carried on Sky Sports. Early broadcast windows for the first two rounds will showcase the opening leaders at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while marquee groups will be featured between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m. Full main‑day coverage will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day, from July 29 through August 2.
"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," Darbon explained. "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 designed to bring the excitement of the competition to a broader audience, offering more in‑depth analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes features.
By extending the broadcast window, Sky Sports aims to capture the nuanced drama of links golf – the shifting winds, the strategic tee‑shots, and the clutch putting that often decides major titles. Beyond the television schedule, the tournament’s digital platforms will also see enhancements. Live scoring, real‑time statistics, and interactive fan experiences will be integrated across the R&A’s official website and social media channels, ensuring that supporters can follow every swing, even if they are unable to watch the televised feed.
The 2026 leaderboard will be updated continuously, providing the latest scores, weather conditions, and tee‑time information for each round. As the competition progresses, notable storylines are already emerging. Charley Hull, a former major contender, has downplayed any rivalry with the world‑number‑one Nelly Korda, emphasizing instead her focus on delivering a fresh bid for major glory. Hull remains in contention heading into the final round, illustrating the depth of talent present in the field.
Other highlights from the tournament include daily recaps such as "Day Three Highlights" and "Day Two Highlights," which summarize key moments, birdies, and turning points that shape the leaderboard. These summaries help casual viewers catch up on the action and understand how the tournament narrative unfolds.
The AIG Women’s Open continues to serve as a platform for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. The inclusion of a $250,000 increase to the purse underscores the R&A’s dedication to elevating women’s golf and providing financial incentives that reflect the sport’s growing popularity. Looking ahead, the announcement of Sunningdale’s Old Course for 2028 signals the R&A’s confidence in the venue’s ability to host a world‑class major. Sunningdale, known for its immaculate fairways and challenging bunkers, promises a fresh test for future champions and adds to the rotating roster of historic courses that have hosted the event.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be a landmark edition, celebrating half a century of competition while pushing the sport forward with a $10 million prize fund, expanded broadcast reach, and a schedule that highlights the best of women’s golf. Fans can watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports throughout July, either via a traditional subscription or through a contract‑free streaming option, ensuring that the excitement of the championship is accessible to a global audience.