The R&A has announced that the official prize 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 financial rewards have been increased. The elite field of women’s golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, each hoping to claim a share of the expanded fund and to add their name to the roll of champions at one of the sport’s most prestigious events. In a separate statement, Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, confirmed the future venues for the championship.
He revealed that the 2028 edition will move to the Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament is slated for Royal St George's. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years' time," Darbon said, noting that this will be the fifth occasion the championship has been staged 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 secured her first major title by finishing two strokes ahead of England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese Minami Katsu.
Yamashita’s victory helped raise the profile of the event and demonstrated the growing competitiveness of the global women’s game. 2026 also marks a milestone year: the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The tournament’s 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 evolved from a modest national competition into a worldwide showcase that now commands a multi‑million‑dollar purse and attracts the sport’s biggest names. Broadcast coverage will be significantly expanded this year, with Sky Sports slated to deliver 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025. Early broadcast windows will give viewers a glimpse of the opening rounds, featuring the first‑tee shots of the early starters at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Morning marquee groups will be shown between 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m., while the main coverage window will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day from July 29 through August 2.
Darbon emphasized the importance of this increase, 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 enhanced prize fund and broader television exposure are part of a broader strategy to elevate the status of women’s golf, attract new sponsors, and inspire the next generation of players. By offering a $10 million purse, the R&A hopes to narrow the financial gap between the men’s and women’s majors and to reward the athletes who dedicate their lives to perfecting the game.
Beyond the money and the media, the tournament will also feature a range of ancillary events aimed at engaging fans and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. Clinics with touring professionals, youth competitions, and community outreach programs are planned throughout the week, providing local residents and young aspiring golfers with the chance to interact with the sport’s top talent. The decision to return to Royal Lytham & St Annes is also noteworthy.
The course, renowned for its deep bunkers, undulating dunes, and challenging wind conditions, has a storied history in both the men’s and women’s games. Its layout demands precise shot‑making and strategic thinking, ensuring that the eventual champion will have demonstrated a high degree of skill and composure under pressure.
Looking ahead, the R&A’s venue announcements signal a commitment to rotating the championship among some of the United Kingdom’s most iconic courses. Sunningdale’s Old Course, with its classic parkland design and rich heritage, will offer a contrasting test to the links‑style challenges of Lytham and St Annes, while Royal St George’s will bring its own unique blend of coastal winds and firm fairways to the fore in 2027. For fans who cannot attend in person, the expanded Sky Sports coverage provides an accessible way to follow every round. Subscribers can watch live action, replays, and expert analysis throughout the tournament week.
Those without a traditional subscription also have the option to stream the coverage via Sky’s online platform without committing to a long‑term contract, ensuring that the event reaches the widest possible audience. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark edition: a $10 million prize pool, a historic venue, a half‑century of legacy, and a 20 percent boost in broadcast hours all combine to create a compelling showcase for women’s golf. The tournament will not only reward the current generation of elite players but also lay the groundwork for future growth, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive on both the competitive and commercial fronts.