The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will climb to a remarkable $10 million (approximately £7.43 million), marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s financial rewards have been increased. The world’s elite women golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in late July, each hoping to claim a share of the enlarged purse. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also used the occasion to confirm the venues for the next two editions of the championship.
The 2027 AIG Women’s Open will be staged at the storied Royal St George's, while the 2028 edition will travel to the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club. Darbon explained, “Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years’ time.
This will be the fifth occasion the championship is held there and the first since 2008.” In addition to the $10 million total, the R&A has added a further $250,000 (about £185,651) to the 2026 purse. The boost follows the highly successful 2025 tournament, which saw Japan’s Miyu Yamashita capture her first major title by edging Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes.
Yamashita’s victory helped demonstrate the growing global appeal of the event and justified the decision to increase the prize fund. The 2026 tournament also carries special significance as the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted a modest prize of $673.31 (£500) back in 1967. Over the ensuing half‑century, the prize fund has expanded dramatically, reflecting both the rising professionalism of women’s golf and the sport’s broader commercial growth.
Broadcast coverage will be expanded dramatically for the 2026 edition. Sky Sports will deliver roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, offering fans a deeper look at the competition from the first tee to the final putt.
Early‑day windows on Thursday and Friday will showcase the opening rounds, with morning marquee groups highlighted between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Full‑scale coverage will then run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day of the tournament, which runs from July 29 to 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 expanded coverage is expected to attract a larger worldwide audience, further cementing the AIG Women’s Open’s status as the premier event on the women’s professional golf calendar. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will be the exclusive live broadcaster, while viewers in the United States can tune in via the network’s partner channels or stream the tournament through the Sky Sports app without a long‑term contract.
Beyond the prize money and television exposure, the tournament will feature a host of ancillary events and fan experiences. A series of pro‑am competitions will give amateurs the chance to play alongside tour professionals, while a women’s golf clinic will be hosted by former champions and current stars, aimed at inspiring the next generation of players. The Royal Lytham & St Annes venue itself will be open for guided tours, allowing spectators to explore the iconic dunes, historic clubhouse, and the famous 17th hole, known for its challenging bunkers. The 2026 leaderboard is already shaping up to be a thrilling narrative.
While the field includes established stars such as Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, and Lexi Thompson, emerging talents like Shiho Kuwaki and Esther Henseleit are also expected to contend. In the 2025 edition, Kuwaki captured the title in a dramatic playoff, and many anticipate she will be a strong contender again.
The R&A’s commitment to increasing the prize fund, expanding broadcast hours, and enhancing the overall fan experience underscores its broader strategy to elevate women’s golf to parity with the men’s game. By investing in larger purses, premier venues, and extensive media coverage, the organization hopes to attract more sponsors, grow participation at the grassroots level, and inspire young girls worldwide to pick up a club. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark event: a $10 million prize pool, historic venues for the next two years, a 20 percent boost in live broadcast coverage, and a host of fan‑focused activities. All eyes will be on Royal Lytham & St Annes as the world’s top women golfers compete for the title and a share of the historic prize fund.
Viewers can watch every round live on Sky Sports this July, either through a traditional subscription or via the streaming service that requires no contract.