The R&A has announced that the official prize pool for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will be boosted once again, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s financial rewards have been increased. The elite field of women golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, competing for a share of a $10 million (approximately £7.43 million) purse. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also used the occasion to confirm the venue for the 2028 edition of the championship.
The tournament will move to the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club, while the 2027 Open is slated for 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‑making $10 million total, the R&A has added an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) to the 2026 purse.
This increase follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women's Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita clinched her first major title by edging Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. The extra money is intended to reward the growing depth of talent and to encourage further investment in women’s golf. The 2026 tournament also marks a milestone: the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The inaugural event, won by Jenny Lee Smith in 1967, offered a modest prize fund of $673.31 (roughly £500).
Over the past five decades the championship has evolved into one of the sport’s most prestigious events, and the current $10 million prize pool underscores that transformation. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically as well. Sky Sports has secured the rights to show the tournament live, and the R&A has pledged a 20 percent increase in televised hours compared with the 2025 edition. Early morning windows on the first two days will give viewers a glimpse of the opening rounds, while marquee groups will be featured between 9 am and 1 pm.
Full‑scale coverage will then run from 1 pm to 7 pm each day, spanning July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized the importance of this expansion, 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 enhanced coverage is expected to attract new fans and provide greater exposure for sponsors, while also delivering more detailed analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes features.
By extending the broadcast window, Sky Sports aims to showcase not only the leaders on the leaderboard but also the stories of emerging talent and the unique challenges presented by the Royal Lytham & St Annes layout, renowned for its deep bunkers and unpredictable coastal winds. Beyond the prize money and television reach, the R&A is also focusing on player experience and sustainability. Initiatives for the 2026 Open include upgraded practice facilities, increased hospitality options for competitors and their support teams, and a commitment to environmentally responsible tournament operations.
The organization has pledged to reduce single‑use plastics on site, implement comprehensive recycling programs, and work with local vendors to source sustainable catering. The tournament’s expanded financial incentives are also expected to influence qualification pathways. More spots will be allocated through the global Order of Merit rankings, and additional regional qualifying events will be held to ensure a diverse field representing all continents.
This approach aligns with the R&A’s broader strategy to grow women’s golf worldwide and to provide clear routes for emerging players to reach the sport’s premier stage. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark edition: a $10 million prize fund, a historic venue, a 20 percent boost in broadcast hours, and a suite of initiatives aimed at enhancing the player experience and promoting sustainability. Fans can watch every round live on Sky Sports throughout July, either through a traditional subscription or via the network’s contract‑free streaming option.
The combination of heightened financial stakes, expanded media exposure, and a commitment to the sport’s future suggests that the championship will continue to set new standards for women’s golf in the years to come.