Prize Money and Venue Announcements
The R&A has confirmed a significant boost to the AIG Women's Open prize fund, raising it to $10 million for the upcoming 2026 tournament. This marks the sixth consecutive year of an increased purse for the major championship. The announcement also revealed that Sunningdale's Old Course will host the event in 2028, with Royal St George's set to stage the 2027 championship.
The world's top female golfers are slated to compete at Royal Lytham & St Annes from July 29 to August 2, 2026, vying for a share of the expanded prize money. This year's championship coincides with the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women's Open. Officials added $250,000 to this year's purse, citing the success of the 2025 event, where Miyu Yamashita secured victory. Broadcast coverage is also set to increase, with an emphasis on providing fans with more access to the competition.
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Broadcast Details and Historical Context
The R&A has committed to enhanced broadcasting for the 2026 AIG Women's Open. Early rounds will feature broadcast windows from 9 am to 1 pm, showcasing early starters and marquee groups, with main coverage running from 1 pm to 7 pm daily. Saturday and Sunday broadcasts will extend to seven hours, from 12 pm to 7 pm BST. This increased television presence, totaling up to 34 hours across the four days, aims to position the championship as one of the most accessible women's golf events globally. The AIG Women's Open will now boast more linear television broadcast hours in the UK and US than any other women's golf championship.
The 2028 hosting at Sunningdale will be the fifth time the championship is played at that venue. Royal Lytham & St Annes will host the championship for the fifth time, the first since 2008.
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Prize Money Progression
The ascent of the AIG Women's Open prize fund reflects a broader trend in women's professional golf:
| Year | Prize Fund |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3,000,000 |
| 2016 | $3,000,000 |
| 2017 | $3,250,000 |
| 2018 | $3,250,000 |
| 2019 | $4,500,000 |
| 2020 | $4,500,000 |
| 2021 | $5,800,000 |
| 2022 | $7,300,000 |
| 2023 | $9,000,000 |
| 2024 | $9,000,000 |
| 2025 | $9,750,000 |
| 2026 | $10,000,000 |
Currently, the AIG Women's Open prize money trails behind the Women's PGA Championship and the U.S. Women's Open, which both offer $12 million. The R&A's ongoing efforts to elevate women's golf and bridge the pay gap are evident in these consistent prize fund increases.
