The R&A has announced that the official prize pool 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 increased. The world’s elite female golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, where they will compete for a share of a $10 million (£7.43 million) total purse. This substantial boost underscores the governing body’s commitment to growing the game and rewarding the sport’s top talent. In addition to the prize‑money announcement, Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, disclosed the future venues for the next two editions of the championship.
The 2028 AIG Women’s Open is slated to move to the Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 tournament will be staged at the venerable Royal St George's. Darbon emphasized the appeal of Sunningdale, noting, "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." The return to Sunningdale is expected to bring a fresh challenge for the field, given the course’s classic design and storied history. The 2026 purse also includes an extra $250,000 (£185,651) that has been added on top of the baseline amount. This addition follows the success of the 2025 edition, where Japanese star Miyu Yamashita secured her first major title by edging out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. Yamashita’s victory not only highlighted the growing international depth of the women’s game but also demonstrated the commercial appeal of a competitive, globally diverse field.
This year’s tournament is particularly significant because it marks the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The championship began in 1967 when Jenny Lee Smith lifted the inaugural trophy, and at that time the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500). Over the past five decades the event has evolved from a modest national competition into a premier global showcase, with the prize fund now standing at $10 million—a testament to the sport’s expansion, increased sponsorship, and rising viewership.
Broadcast coverage will also see a major upgrade. Fans can expect roughly 20 percent more live television content than in 2025, with Sky Sports providing extensive daily coverage throughout the tournament week.
Early broadcast windows will focus on the opening rounds, offering viewers a glimpse of how the first‑together starters are navigating the challenging links. Morning marquee groups will be highlighted between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., while the main broadcast window will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
each day, from July 29 through August 2. Darbon remarked, "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 new fans, provide greater exposure for sponsors, and reinforce the tournament’s status as the flagship event on the women’s professional calendar. Beyond the prize money and television exposure, the 2026 Open will feature a host of storylines. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita will look to repeat her success, while seasoned veterans such as Charley Hull and rising talents like Minami Katsu will be eager to close the gap. The course at Royal Lytham & St Annes, known for its deep bunkers, undulating fairways, and iconic seaside backdrop, will test every aspect of a player’s game—from driving accuracy to short‑game finesse.
The tournament will also be a platform for broader initiatives aimed at growing women’s golf. The R&A has pledged additional funding for grassroots programs, junior development, and diversity initiatives, all of which will be highlighted during the event’s media segments. By linking elite competition with community outreach, the organization hopes to inspire the next generation of female golfers and broaden the sport’s appeal across different demographics. For spectators who cannot attend in person, the full schedule of live coverage will be available on Sky Sports, with streaming options that do not require a long‑term contract.
This flexible viewing model is designed to accommodate a global audience, ensuring that fans from Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond can follow the action in real time. In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a milestone year: a $10 million prize pool, a historic venue, expanded broadcast hours, and a half‑century celebration of the tournament’s legacy. With the added excitement of future venues at Royal St George’s and Sunningdale, the championship is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and prestige, cementing its place as the premier event in women’s professional golf.