When the AIG Women’s Open was first introduced half a century ago, it was a modest affair. The tournament field consisted largely of amateur players, and the total prize money for the entire event was a mere £500. Fast‑forward fifty years, and the competition bears little resemblance to the version that Jenny Lee Smith captured at Fulford Golf Club in 1976. Today it stands as one of the premier fixtures on the global golf calendar, boasting a $10 million (£7.5 million) purse and a winner’s share of $1.5 million (£1.25 million).
The inaugural edition was a scrappy venture. Professionals such as Vivien Saunders and Gwen Brandom even contributed their own funds to flesh out the prize pool, and the tournament struggled to secure a permanent sponsor until 1979.
Early on, finding suitable venues proved difficult, and the 1983 edition was cancelled outright because of insufficient financing, casting doubt on the event’s future. Nevertheless, the tournament persisted, gradually building a reputation and attracting sponsors like Burberry in 1985 and Weetabix from 1987 to 1993. A turning point arrived when the LPGA incorporated the Open into its 1984 schedule, although it would disappear from the tour for another decade before returning with renewed vigor.
In 2001 the competition was elevated to major‑championship status, supplanting what is now known as the Canadian Women’s Open. This recognition marked the beginning of a rapid ascent, culminating in the R&A assuming direct organisational control in 2017, replacing the Ladies’ Golf Union. The modern tournament now travels to some of the most storied links courses in the world—St Andrews’ Old Course, Carnoustie, Royal Troon, and, most recently, Royal Lytham & St Annes for its 50th anniversary.
These venues provide a dramatic backdrop that enhances the event’s prestige and attracts massive crowds. Organisers have consistently broken attendance records; over 50,000 spectators are expected at Royal Lytham this week, adding to the record‑breaking numbers from the previous three editions.
Infrastructure and player amenities have improved in tandem with the growing prize fund. Dame Laura Davies, who has made a record 43 consecutive appearances at the Open, told Sky Sports, “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 and a superb event.” She highlighted the significance of state‑of‑the‑art player lounges, high‑quality dressing rooms, and comprehensive services that make competitors feel valued. The prize money, now exceeding £1 million for the champion, continues to rise each year, a trend that players welcome enthusiastically.
Television coverage has also expanded dramatically. Sky Sports provides live broadcasting from Thursday onward, with featured‑group coverage delivering three extra hours of action during the first two rounds. This increased exposure has helped women’s golf reach a broader audience, encouraging fans to attend in person and boosting the sport’s overall visibility. As Davies noted, “Women’s sport being more on TV now helps, because people want to come and see the characters they see on TV.” The competitive field this week includes several British hopefuls eager to add their names to the roll of champions.
Georgia Hall’s 2018 triumph followed Catriona Matthew’s 2009 victory, and both Charley Hull and Lottie Woad are aiming to continue the home‑soil success. Hull, despite a less impressive showing at the Evian Championship, possesses the skill set to contend, while Woad’s steady temperament and solid play have earned praise from caddies familiar with the course’s demanding bunkers and fast greens. International stars are also in the mix. Nelly Korda is chasing a career Grand Slam, and Ha Ryun seeks a third consecutive major title.
Their presence underscores the global appeal of the AIG Women’s Open and the depth of talent that now converges on the links each August. The tournament’s journey from a £500 prize fund to a £1.25 million winner’s share illustrates the broader growth of women’s professional golf. What began as a modest, almost charitable competition has transformed into a high‑profile, financially lucrative major that rivals its male counterparts in terms of prestige, media coverage, and fan engagement.
The combination of historic venues, enhanced facilities, robust sponsorship, and expansive broadcasting has created a virtuous cycle, attracting top talent and larger audiences, which in turn fuels further investment. Looking ahead, the AIG Women’s Open is poised to continue its upward trajectory.
With the R&A’s stewardship, ongoing sponsor commitment, and a growing fan base, the tournament is likely to see even larger purses, more innovative fan experiences, and perhaps new venues that will test the next generation of champions. For now, the focus remains on the current competition at Royal Lytham & St Annes, where the world will watch live on Sky Sports to see who can claim the coveted title and join the elite list of women’s golf legends.