The R&A announced that the official prize purse for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will rise once more, marking the sixth year in a row that the tournament’s financial rewards have been expanded. This year’s competition will take place at the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in late July, and the increased fund now totals $10 million (approximately £7.43 million), offering the world’s elite women golfers a larger share of the winnings than ever before.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon also used the occasion to reveal the venue schedule for the next two editions of the championship. In 2027 the Open will travel to Royal St George's, while the 2028 tournament is set to return to Sunningdale’s celebrated Old Course.
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," underscoring the club’s longstanding relationship with the event and its reputation for delivering a challenging yet fair test of skill. In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million total, the R&A has added a further $250,000 (£185,651) to the winner’s share for 2026.
This extra boost follows the success of the 2025 edition, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita clinched her first major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. Yamashita’s triumph highlighted the growing international depth of the field and reinforced the need for a prize structure that reflects the tournament’s global stature.
The 2026 tournament also marks a milestone: the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The championship’s inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted the trophy in 1967 when the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500). Over the past half‑century the event has evolved from a modest national competition into one of the premier majors in women’s golf, with a prize pool that now dwarfs its original amount by a factor of roughly 15,000. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically this year, giving fans around the world unprecedented access to the action.
Sky Sports will deliver 20 percent more live programming than in 2025, with early‑round windows showcasing the opening leaders and morning marquee groups between 9 am and 1 pm. Full‑day coverage will run from 1 pm to 7 pm each day of the tournament, from July 29 through August 2. Darbon emphasized the importance of this growth, 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 media plan is designed to reach both traditional television audiences and digital viewers. In the UK, Sky Sports will be the primary carrier, while in the United States the tournament will be streamed through the network’s online platforms, allowing subscription‑free viewing for those without a contract.
This dual‑approach ensures that casual fans and dedicated followers alike can follow every round, from the opening tee shots on the first day to the dramatic final putts on the last. Beyond the prize money and broadcast enhancements, the R&A is also focusing on player experience and course preparation.
Royal Lytham & St Annes has undergone a series of minor renovations to improve drainage and maintain the firm, fast conditions that links golfers prize. The club’s iconic bunkers will remain a central feature, demanding strategic shot‑making and precise execution from the field.
The tournament’s schedule will feature a traditional four‑day format, with 144 players starting on Thursday. After the first 36 holes, a cut will be made, leaving the top 70 and ties to compete over the weekend. The final round on Sunday will culminate in a dramatic showdown, as the leading contenders vie for the championship title and a share of the historic $10 million purse. Historically, the AIG Women’s Open has been a springboard for emerging talent.
Past winners include legends such as Annika Sörenstam, Lorena Ochoa, and more recently, Inbee Park. This year’s field is expected to be equally deep, featuring seasoned veterans like Charley Hull, who finished runner‑up in 2025, alongside rising stars from Asia, Europe, and North America.
The increased prize fund and expanded coverage are likely to attract even more high‑profile players, further elevating the tournament’s prestige. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a significant step forward for women’s professional golf. By raising the prize pool to $10 million, adding $250,000 to the winner’s share, and delivering 20 percent more broadcast hours, the R&A is signalling its commitment to growing the sport’s visibility and financial sustainability.
The historic setting of Royal Lytham & St Annes, combined with the upcoming venues at Royal St George’s and Sunningdale, ensures that the championship will continue to challenge the world’s best players while celebrating its 50‑year legacy. Fans can watch every moment live on Sky Sports this July, either through a traditional subscription or via the network’s contract‑free streaming option.