The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will rise once again, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s financial rewards have been increased. The world’s elite female golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, each hoping to claim a share of a $10 million (£7.43 million) purse. Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, also used the occasion to confirm the venues for the next two editions of the championship. The 2028 AIG Women’s Open will be staged on the venerable Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament will move to the storied Royal St George’s.
Darbon explained, “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 (£185,651) to this year’s prize distribution.
That boost follows the dramatic finish at the 2025 edition, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita edged out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes to capture her maiden major title. The extra money is intended to reward the growing depth of talent and to reflect the tournament’s rising commercial appeal. 2026 also marks a milestone for the event: the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The championship began in 1967 when Jenny Lee Smith became its inaugural champion, and at that time the total prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500).
Over the past five decades the tournament has evolved from a modest national competition into one of the most prestigious events on the global women’s golf calendar, and the current prize pool underscores that transformation. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically as well.
Sky Sports has confirmed that viewers will receive roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, with a schedule that stretches from early morning tee times through to prime‑time evening slots. On each day of the competition, from July 29 through August 2, the first two rounds will be shown in early windows that highlight the performance of the opening groups at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
The marquee morning groups will be featured between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., after which the main broadcast will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., delivering comprehensive coverage of the action. Darbon emphasized the strategic importance of the expanded television footprint, 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, giving fans unprecedented access to the sport’s top talent.
“This is another important step forward as we continue to invest in the Championship and grow its global audience,” he said. The heightened exposure is expected to attract new sponsors, increase viewership, and inspire the next generation of female golfers. By delivering more content across multiple platforms, the R&A hopes to build on the momentum generated by recent star performances and to cement the AIG Women’s Open as a flagship event that rivals the men’s majors in both prestige and public interest. Fans who wish to follow every shot can tune into Sky Sports throughout the week, or opt for the streaming service that offers a contract‑free option.
The tournament’s schedule promises a blend of traditional links challenges—such as the deep bunkers and undulating fairways of Royal Lytham & St Annes—and the modern spectacle of high‑definition, multi‑camera coverage that brings the drama of each putt into living rooms worldwide. Beyond the prize money and television upgrades, the R&A is also investing in grassroots initiatives tied to the 2026 Open. Community programs aimed at encouraging girls to take up golf will be rolled out in the surrounding region, leveraging the tournament’s visibility to promote participation and diversity in the sport.
These efforts align with the broader mission of the R&A to grow the game globally and to ensure that women’s golf continues to thrive at all levels. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark edition: a $10 million prize pool, a historic venue, expanded broadcast hours, and a half‑century of legacy.
With the world’s best players ready to compete and fans given unprecedented access, the tournament is set to deliver memorable moments that will shape the future of women’s golf for years to come.