The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will be raised once again, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s purse has grown. The competition, which will be contested at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in July, will now feature a total fund of $10 million (approximately £7.43 million), providing a substantial financial incentive for the world’s elite female golfers. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon also used the occasion to confirm the venues for the next two editions of the championship. In 2027 the Open will move to the venerable Royal St George's course, while the 2028 tournament will be staged on the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club.
Darbon highlighted Sunningdale’s reputation, saying, “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.” In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million total, the R&A has added a further $250,000 (about £185,651) to the 2026 purse. This increase follows the success of the 2025 edition, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita captured her first major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes.
The extra money reflects the organization’s commitment to rewarding excellence and to encouraging more players to compete at the highest level. The 2026 tournament also carries historical significance: it will be the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The inaugural event in 1967 was won by Jenny Lee Smith, and the prize fund at that time was a modest $673.31 (roughly £500). Over the past five decades the championship has evolved from a modest regional contest into one of the premier events on the global women’s golf calendar, with prize money now measured in the tens of millions.
Broadcast coverage of the 2026 Open is set to expand dramatically. Sky Sports will deliver 20 percent more live television hours than were provided in 2025, giving fans a richer viewing experience throughout the week. Early morning windows on the first two days will showcase the opening rounds, while marquee groups will be featured between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Full‑day coverage will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day from July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized the importance of this growth, 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 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, providing unprecedented access to the sport’s top talent.
The expanded coverage is expected to attract new audiences and deepen engagement among existing fans, supporting the R&A’s broader strategy to grow the global profile of women’s golf. By delivering more content, the organization hopes to inspire the next generation of players and to showcase the drama, skill, and athleticism that define the championship. Beyond the financial and broadcast upgrades, the tournament will also feature a robust schedule of ancillary events, including pro‑am competitions, youth clinics, and community outreach programs hosted by the host club.
These activities are designed to celebrate the sport’s heritage while fostering inclusivity and participation at the grassroots level. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a milestone for the sport: a $10 million prize pool, a historic venue at Royal Lytham & St Annes, expanded television coverage, and a celebration of fifty years of competition. The R&A’s continued investment underscores its commitment to elevating women’s golf on the world stage, and fans can look forward to an exciting, high‑stakes tournament that showcases the very best in the game. Watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports this July, either via a traditional subscription or through the network’s contract‑free streaming option.