The R&A has announced that the official purse for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will be raised to a staggering $10 million (approximately £7.43 million), marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s prize fund has been expanded. The increase reflects the governing body’s ongoing commitment to growing the women's game and rewarding the sport’s elite athletes.
The championship will be staged at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in July, where the world’s top female golfers will compete for a share of the enlarged pot. In addition to the financial boost, the R&A disclosed the venues for the next two editions of the event. The 2027 AIG Women’s Open will move to Royal St George’s, while the 2028 tournament will be hosted on the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club.
"We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time," said Mark Darbon, the R&A’s chief executive. "It will be the fifth time the championship has been held there and the first since 2008," he added, underscoring the significance of returning to a course that has long been associated with major golf history. The decision to add an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) to this year’s purse follows the success of the 2025 edition, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita captured her first major title by edging Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. Yamashita’s triumph helped raise the profile of the tournament and demonstrated the global appeal of women’s golf, prompting the R&A to further invest in the championship’s financial rewards.
2026 also marks a milestone year: the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The inaugural event took place in 1967, when Jenny Lee Smith was crowned the first champion and the total prize fund stood at a modest $673.31 (roughly £500). Over the past five decades the tournament has evolved from a modest competition into one of the premier events on the women’s calendar, and the $10 million purse is a tangible symbol of that growth. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically as well.
Fans in the United Kingdom and the United States will enjoy roughly 20 percent more live television hours than in 2025, with full-day coverage on Sky Sports from July 29 through August 2. Early windows on the first two days will showcase the opening rounds, giving viewers a chance to see how the early starters are performing at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Throughout the week, marquee groups will be featured between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., followed by comprehensive main coverage from 1 p.m.
to 7 p.m. each day. "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 media exposure is expected to attract new sponsors, increase viewership, and inspire the next generation of female golfers. By offering more screen time, the R&A hopes to showcase the skill, drama, and personality of the competitors, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience. The partnership with Sky Sports ensures that the tournament will be available to both traditional cable subscribers and streaming audiences, with options to watch without a long‑term contract.
Beyond the financial and broadcast enhancements, the R&A is also focusing on the overall tournament experience. Royal Lytham & St Annes, known for its challenging dunes, deep bunkers, and coastal winds, will provide a stern test of skill and strategy. Players will need to balance aggressive play with careful course management, especially in the final rounds where the pressure of a $10 million purse can amplify every decision. The event will also feature a series of ancillary activities designed to engage fans and promote the sport at the grassroots level.
Clinics, youth tournaments, and community outreach programs will be organized around the venue, giving local children and aspiring golfers a chance to meet professional players and learn from them. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to grow the game beyond the elite level and ensure a pipeline of talent for future championships. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a landmark moment for women's golf.
With a $10 million prize fund, expanded broadcast coverage, historic venues, and a focus on community engagement, the tournament is set to deliver an unforgettable week of competition. Fans can watch every round live on Sky Sports this July, either through a traditional subscription or via a flexible streaming package, ensuring that the excitement of the championship reaches as many viewers as possible. The R&A’s continued investment signals a bright future for the sport, promising greater visibility, higher stakes, and more opportunities for the world’s best female golfers to shine.