AIG Women's Open Boosts Prize Money to $10 Million

The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will rise once again, marking the sixth straight year of increases. The tournament, which will take place at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, will now feature a total purse of $10 million (approximately £7.43 million), offering the world’s elite female golfers a substantial financial incentive to compete for the coveted title. Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, also disclosed the venues for the next two editions of the championship. In 2028 the AIG Women's Open will travel to the Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 event will be staged at Royal St George's.

Darbon said, "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," underscoring the significance of returning to a course with a rich history in the tournament. In addition to the larger prize fund, the R&A has added an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) to this year’s purse, a move prompted by the success of the 2025 AIG Women's Open. That edition saw Japan’s Miyu Yamashita claim her first major title, edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes.

Yamashita’s triumph highlighted the growing international depth of the women’s game and reinforced the need for continued investment in the championship. The 2026 tournament also marks a milestone: 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 (around £500). Over the past half‑century the competition has evolved from a modest national championship into a global showcase with a multi‑million‑dollar purse, reflecting the rapid growth and professionalisation of women’s golf.

Broadcast coverage will expand significantly as part of the R&A’s strategy to raise the profile of the event. Viewers can expect roughly 20 percent more live television time than in 2025, with the entire tournament being shown on Sky Sports. Early rounds will feature morning windows that highlight the performances of early starters at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while marquee groups will be broadcast 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.

Darbon emphasized, "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 delivers more linear television hours in both the United Kingdom and the United States than any other women’s golf championship, providing fans unprecedented access to the sport’s top talent. This expansion is described as "another important step forward as we continue to invest in the Championship and grow its global audience." The enhanced coverage is expected to attract a broader audience, offering fans the chance to watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports throughout July.

For those without a traditional subscription, streaming options without a contract are also available, ensuring that the tournament reaches as many viewers as possible. Beyond the immediate excitement of the 2026 edition, the announced future venues signal the R&A’s long‑term commitment to rotating the championship among some of the most revered links courses in the United Kingdom. Sunningdale’s Old Course, with its gentle undulations and strategic bunkering, will provide a fresh challenge in 2028, while Royal St George’s, known for its demanding layout and historic ties to the Open Championship, will test players in 2027.

These venue selections, combined with the record‑breaking prize fund and expanded media exposure, illustrate a clear strategic vision: to elevate the AIG Women’s Open to the same level of prestige and commercial appeal enjoyed by the men’s majors. By investing in larger purses, premier courses, and comprehensive broadcast packages, the R&A aims to showcase the skill, athleticism, and competitiveness of women’s golf on a global stage. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will feature a $10 million prize pool, a 20 percent increase in live broadcast hours, and will be contested at the iconic Royal Lytham & St Annes. The tournament also commemorates its 50th anniversary, reflecting on a journey from a modest £500 purse in 1967 to today’s multi‑million‑dollar event.

With future editions slated for Royal St George’s in 2027 and Sunningdale in 2028, the championship is set to continue its upward trajectory, offering players, sponsors, and fans an ever‑more compelling and high‑profile showcase of women’s golf.