The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, operating as the R&A, announced that the official prize money for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be raised once more, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s purse has grown. This year’s competition will take place at the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in late July, and the total prize pool will now stand at a staggering $10 million (approximately £7.43 million). The increase reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to elevating women’s golf and rewarding the world’s elite players who will vie for a share of the expanded fund.
Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, used the announcement to also reveal the future venues for the championship. He confirmed that the 2028 edition will move to the Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament will be staged at 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 returns to Sunningdale and the first since 2008.
The choice of these storied courses underscores the R&A’s strategy of rotating the Open among the most revered links in the United Kingdom, offering players a variety of challenges and fans a rich tapestry of golf heritage. In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million pot, officials have added a further $250,000 (£185,651) to the 2026 purse in recognition of the success of the 2025 event. The previous year saw Japan’s Miyu Yamashita claim her first major title with a two‑stroke victory over England’s Charley Hull and fellow Japanese Minami Katsu. Yamashita’s breakthrough win helped raise the profile of the tournament and demonstrated the growing international depth of the women’s game, prompting the R&A to reward the field with an extra financial boost.
The 2026 tournament also carries special significance as the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open, which was first contested in 1967. The inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted a modest prize of $673.31 (£500) – a stark contrast to today’s multi‑million‑dollar prize pool.
Over the past five decades the event has evolved from a modest national championship into one of the premier majors in women’s golf, attracting the sport’s biggest names and delivering moments that have shaped the history of the game. Broadcast coverage will be markedly expanded for the 2026 edition. Fans in the United Kingdom, the United States, and around the world will enjoy roughly 20 percent more live television time than they did in 2025. Sky Sports will serve as the primary broadcaster, providing comprehensive daily coverage from the first tee through to the final putt.
Early morning windows will showcase the opening rounds, giving viewers a glimpse of how the early starters are performing on the challenging dunes of Lytham. Mid‑morning segments will feature marquee groups between 9 am and 1 pm, while the main broadcast window will run from 1 pm to 7 pm each day of the tournament, spanning July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized the strategic importance of this increased exposure, 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.
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 coverage is expected to attract new sponsors, deepen fan engagement, and inspire the next generation of female golfers.
By offering more airtime, the R&A hopes to showcase the skill, drama, and personalities that make the Women’s Open a marquee event on the sporting calendar. The additional broadcast hours will also allow for deeper storytelling, including player profiles, behind‑the‑scenes features, and analysis that enriches the viewing experience.
Beyond the television audience, the tournament will be streamed online through Sky Sports’ digital platform, giving fans the flexibility to watch live action without a traditional contract. This streaming option is part of a broader effort to make the sport more accessible to younger, tech‑savvy audiences who prefer digital consumption over conventional cable. As the 2026 AIG Women’s Open approaches, anticipation builds around the field of competitors. The world’s top-ranked players, including past champions and rising stars, will converge on the iconic links to test their mettle against the wind‑swept fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens that define Royal Lytham & St Annes.
The expanded prize fund, enhanced broadcast schedule, and historic venue all combine to make this edition a landmark moment in the tournament’s half‑century legacy. In summary, the R&A’s decision to raise the prize money to $10 million, add an extra $250,000 to the purse, and increase broadcast coverage by 20 percent reflects a clear vision: to cement the AIG Women’s Open as the premier showcase for women’s professional golf. With the 2026 tournament set to deliver thrilling competition, historic milestones, and broader global reach, the event promises to be a defining chapter in the sport’s ongoing evolution.