The R&A will increase the official prize fund for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open for the sixth consecutive year, with the world’s best players set to battle it out at Royal Lytham & St Annes in July for a slice of a $10m (£7.43m) pot.
Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, also revealed that the 2028 edition of the AIG Women’s Open will be held at Sunningdale’s Old Course, with Royal St George’s set to host the 2027 event.
“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.”
Officials have added an extra $250,000 (£185,651) to the purse this year following the success of the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, where Miyu Yamashita claimed a two-shot victory over Charley Hull and Minami Katsu to secure her first major title.
This year will also mark the 50th anniversary of The AIG Women’s Open. Jenny Lee Smith was crowned the tournament’s inaugural champion in 1967, and the prize fund had stood at $673.31 (£500).
Broadcast coverage of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open is also due to significantly increase, with fans able to watch 20 per cent more coverage throughout the week, which will be live on Sky Sports.
Early broadcast windows for rounds one and two will provide fans with a look at how the early starters are faring at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while morning marquee groups will also be shown between 9am and 1pm, while full main coverage will commence from 1pm to 7pm – every day from July 29 to August 2.
“Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition and with a with a 20% increase in live hours compared to 2025, we are setting a new benchmark for women’s golf,” Darbon said.
“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.”
Watch all four rounds of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open live on Sky Sports this July. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
