When the AIG Women’s Open debuted half a century ago, it was a modest affair. The field was dominated by amateur players, and the total prize fund for the entire tournament was a mere £500. Fast‑forward fifty years, and the championship bears little resemblance to the event Jenny Lee Smith lifted at Fulford Golf Club in 1976.
It has grown into a marquee fixture on the global golf calendar, boasting world‑class competitors, state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and a prize purse that now tops $10 million (£7.5 million), with the winner pocketing a record $1.5 million (£1.25 million). The inaugural edition relied on the personal contributions of professionals such as Vivien Saunders and Gwen Brandom to supplement the prize money. In those early days, the tournament struggled to secure a sponsor – it was not until 1979 that a backer appeared – and even the choice of venue was uncertain.
The 1983 edition was cancelled outright because of funding shortfalls, casting doubt on the future of the competition. Nevertheless, the event persisted, gradually attracting sponsors like Burberry in 1985 and Weetabix from 1987 to 1993, and it slowly began to earn a reputation.
By the mid‑1980s the tournament was part of the LPGA schedule for a single year, only to disappear again for a decade. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the event began to gain traction, and in 2001 the AIG Women’s Open was elevated to major‑championship status, replacing the former Canadian Women’s Open as one of the LPGA’s five majors. The transition marked a turning point, signalling to players, sponsors, and fans that the tournament had arrived. The organisational mantle also shifted.
For most of its history the Ladies’ Golf Union ran the event, but in 2017 the R&A – the same body that governs The Open Championship – assumed direct control. This change brought the tournament onto the same prestigious circuit as historic links venues such as the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Royal Troon, which have all hosted the AIG Women’s Open in recent years.
The move also ushered in a wave of investment in infrastructure, from upgraded player lounges to cutting‑edge media centres, all designed to enhance the experience for competitors and spectators alike. Attendance figures illustrate the dramatic growth.
Over 50,000 fans are expected at Royal Lytham & St Annes for the 50th‑anniversary edition, a number that eclipses the attendance records set in each of the three preceding tournaments. The surge in crowds reflects not only the improved facilities but also the expanding television coverage. Sky Sports now broadcasts the event live, offering three hours of extra "Featured Group" action during the first two rounds, and the tournament enjoys a global audience that far exceeds its early‑day reach.
Veteran champion Dame Laura Davies, who has logged a record 43 consecutive appearances at the AIG Women’s Open, summed up the transformation: "I don’t recognise it from when I used to play it. It’s not an add‑on any more; it’s a stand‑alone major championship of golf and it’s a superb event." Her sentiment echoes the views of many players who appreciate the combination of higher prize money, superior facilities, and the prestige of competing on world‑renowned links courses. Davies added that the increased television exposure has helped women's sport gain visibility, drawing larger galleries who want to see the personalities they watch on screen.
The prize money explosion is another hallmark of the tournament’s evolution. Since AIG became the title sponsor, the purse has more than tripled, culminating in the current $10 million total.
This financial boost not only rewards the winner handsomely but also provides deeper payouts throughout the field, encouraging more top‑ranked players to travel to the UK for the event. The competition’s narrative this week centres on a star‑studded field at Royal Lytham & St Annes, where the world’s elite will vie for the coveted title. Nelly Korda is chasing a career Grand Slam, while Ha Ryu seeks a third consecutive major victory.
British hopes are also high, with recent champions Georgia Hall (2018) and Catriona Matthew (2009) providing a precedent for home‑soil success. Emerging talents such as Charley Hull and Lottie Woad are eager to add their names to the roll of honour, each bringing a distinct style and temperament that could thrive on Lytham’s demanding links.
Course conditions at Royal Lytham are expected to be a decisive factor. Davies noted that the bunkers are "a lot harsher" than those at Royal Birkdale, and caddies have warned that the fire‑pit‑like sand traps will test even the most seasoned players. Strategic course management, mental resilience, and adaptability to the wind‑swept coastal environment will be essential. In summary, the AIG Women’s Open has undergone an extraordinary metamorphosis from a modest, amateur‑heavy tournament with a £500 prize pool to a globally recognised major offering multi‑million‑dollar rewards.
Enhanced sponsorship, the R&A’s stewardship, premier venue selection, and expansive broadcast coverage have all contributed to its current stature. As the 50th anniversary unfolds, the event stands as a testament to the growth of women’s golf and a showcase of the sport’s brightest stars, all competing for a historic prize and a place in golfing history.