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 increased. The world’s elite female golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, competing for a share of a $10 million (£7.43 million) total prize fund.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also used the occasion to confirm the venue for the 2028 edition of the championship. The Old Course at Sunningdale will host the event, while Royal St George's is slated to be the host for 2027. "We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years' time," Darbon said. "It will be the fifth time the championship has been held there and the first since 2008." In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million pool, the R&A has added a further $250,000 (£185,651) to this year’s purse.
The boost follows the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita edged out Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes to claim her first major title. The extra money reflects the organization’s commitment to rewarding excellence and to encouraging more participation from top‑ranked players worldwide. The 2026 tournament also carries historical significance: it marks the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. The inaugural champion, Jenny Lee Smith, lifted the trophy in 1967 when the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (£500).
Over the past five decades the event has grown from a modest regional competition into one of the premier majors in women’s golf, with prize money expanding by several orders of magnitude and the tournament gaining a truly global audience. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically this year, offering fans roughly 20 percent more live television than in 2025. Sky Sports will air the event in the United Kingdom, with a schedule that includes early‑morning windows for the first two rounds, followed by marquee groupings shown between 9 am and 1 pm, and full‑day coverage from 1 pm to 7 pm each day from July 29 through August 2.
"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," Darbon explained. "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 viewers, deepen engagement with existing fans, and provide sponsors with greater exposure.
It also aligns with broader efforts to elevate women’s sport across media platforms, ensuring that the athletes receive the recognition they deserve. Beyond the prize money and television schedule, the R&A has outlined a series of ancillary initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experience for players and spectators. These include upgraded hospitality facilities at Royal Lytham & St Annes, increased charitable contributions to local community projects, and a stronger emphasis on sustainability, with measures such as reduced single‑use plastics and carbon‑offset programmes for travel. The tournament’s leaderboard will be closely watched, especially after the dramatic finish of the previous year.
In 2025, Shiho Kuwaki clinched a playoff victory over Esther Henseleit, delivering a memorable conclusion that has set high expectations for the 2026 field. Analysts predict that the combination of a deeper purse, a world‑class venue, and heightened media attention will produce an exceptionally competitive tournament, with several players positioned to make a breakthrough.
Fans who wish to follow the action can watch all four rounds live on Sky Sports throughout July. Subscription options include a traditional Sky Sports package or a contract‑free streaming service, ensuring that viewers can choose the method that best fits their preferences. Overall, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a milestone in the evolution of women’s professional golf.
By increasing the prize fund to $10 million, expanding broadcast hours, and planning future venues at historic courses like Sunningdale and Royal St George’s, the R&A demonstrates a clear commitment to growing the sport, rewarding its athletes, and delivering an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.