Record $10m purse announced for 2026 AIG Women’s Open

The The R&A and American International Group (AIG) have confirmed a record $10 million prize fund and expanded global broadcast coverage for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open, marking the tournament’s 50th anniversary.

This year’s milestone edition will take place at Royal Lytham & St Annes from 29 July to 2 August.

The increase represents the sixth consecutive rise in the Championship’s prize fund, underlining continued investment in the women’s game. 

“These consistent and sustainable investments clearly demonstrate our commitment to elevating the Championship on the global stage,” said R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon.

The evolution of the event over five decades highlights its rapid growth. At its inception in 1976, when Jenny Lee Smith lifted the inaugural trophy, the total purse stood at just £500. 

By 2008, Jiyai Shin claimed victory from a $2.1 million prize fund, while Georgia Hall’s win at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2018 came with a $3.25 million purse. 

Since the R&A’s partnership with AIG began in 2019, the total prize money has more than tripled.

Alongside the financial boost, broadcast coverage for the 2026 Championship will reach new levels.

A new early window for the opening two rounds will deliver an additional three hours of live coverage per day, showcasing morning marquee groups from 9am to 1pm BST. Main coverage will then run through to 7pm BST.

Weekend coverage will span seven hours daily, ensuring up to 34 hours of live broadcast across the four days — more than any other women’s golf championship in the UK and United States.

In the UK, fans can watch live coverage on Sky Sports and R&A TV. In the US, coverage will be shared across Golf Channel, USA Network and NBC, with additional international partners spanning Asia and Europe.

AIG Chairman and CEO Peter Zaffino said the investment reflects the company’s broader commitment to advancing women in sport and society, while Darbon added that growing the Championship’s profile remains central to its ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading women’s sporting events.

Ticket demand is expected to be high for the anniversary edition, with organisers encouraging fans to attend in person. 

Under the R&A’s ‘Kids Go Free’ initiative, children under 16 can enter at no cost when accompanied by a paying adult, while discounted youth tickets are also available.

For full ticket, hospitality and event information, please visit aigwomensopen.com.