The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, known as the R&A, has announced that the official prize purse 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 expanded. The championship, which will be contested at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in July, will now feature a total prize fund of $10 million (approximately £7.43 million). This increase reflects the growing stature of the event and the R&A’s commitment to supporting women’s professional golf at the highest level. In addition to the prize‑money boost, the R&A disclosed the future venues for the next two editions of the tournament.
The 2027 AIG Women’s Open will be staged at the iconic Royal St George’s Golf Club, while the 2028 championship will travel to the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years' time," said Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A.
"It will be the fifth time the championship has been held there and the first since 2008," he added, underscoring the club’s historic connection to the event. The decision to add an extra $250,000 (£185,651) to this year’s purse follows the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured her maiden major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. The close finish and the global interest it generated reinforced the need for a larger financial incentive to attract the sport’s elite competitors. 2026 also marks a milestone anniversary for the tournament.
It will be the 50th edition of the AIG Women’s Open, a competition that began in 1967 when Jenny Lee Smith claimed the inaugural championship and the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500). Over the past five decades the event has evolved from a modest national contest into a premier global championship, with prize money now measured in millions rather than hundreds of dollars. Broadcast coverage will be expanded dramatically for the 2026 edition.
Sky Sports, the UK’s primary broadcaster for the tournament, will deliver approximately 20 percent more live coverage than in 2025. Early rounds will feature dedicated windows that allow viewers to follow the opening leaders at Royal Lytham & St Annes, with morning marquee groups shown between 9 am and 1 pm. Full main‑day coverage will run from 1 pm to 7 pm each day of the tournament, spanning July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized the significance 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." He continued, "The AIG Women’s Open now delivers more linear television broadcast hours in the UK and the 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 a broader international audience, with the tournament being simulcast across multiple platforms in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Fans will be able to watch every round live on Sky Sports, and a streaming option without a long‑term contract will also be available, ensuring that viewers can follow the action regardless of their preferred device. Beyond the prize fund and broadcast improvements, the R&A is also focusing on the overall experience for players and spectators.
Royal Lytham & St Annes, known for its challenging dunes and historic clubhouse, will host a series of fan zones, interactive exhibits, and community outreach programs designed to inspire the next generation of female golfers. The tournament’s organizers have pledged to maintain a sustainable approach, implementing measures to reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly practices throughout the week-long event.
The 2026 AIG Women’s Open promises to be a landmark edition, combining a record‑setting prize purse, expanded media exposure, and a celebration of fifty years of women’s golf excellence. With the world’s top players converging on the storied links of Royal Lytham & St Annes, the championship is set to deliver unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and a clear signal that women’s golf continues to grow in stature and popularity. Fans worldwide can look forward to witnessing history in the making, whether they are watching on television, streaming online, or attending the event in person.