The R&A and AIG have confirmed that the prize fund for the upcoming AIG Women’s Open will rise to USD 10 million. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the championship, which is scheduled to take place at Royal Lytham & St Annes from 29 July to 2 August. The winner of the 2026 title is expected to receive USD 1.5 million. This is a massive increase from the inaugural tournament in 1976, when Jenny Lee Smith earned just £500, or roughly USD 673, for her victory.
The purse has grown rapidly in recent years, more than tripling since Georgia Hall won the title at the same venue in 2018. Last year, Miyu Yamashita secured USD 1.46 million for her win at Royal Porthcawl. Alongside the financial boost, the 2026 event will see a 20 per cent increase in live broadcast hours compared to last year. Fans will have access to 34 hours of live coverage over the four days of competition.
For the first two rounds, a new morning broadcast window from 9am to 1pm BST will show the marquee groups. This will be followed by six hours of afternoon coverage. On the weekend, viewers can watch seven hours of live action each day. In the UK, the event will be shown on Sky Sports and R&A TV, while NBC, USA Network and Golf Channel will broadcast the tournament in the United States.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “This is the sixth consecutive year that the AIG Women’s Open prize fund has been increased. These consistent and sustainable investments in the prize fund clearly demonstrate The R&A and AIG’s commitment to elevating the Championship on the global stage.”
Peter Zaffino, Chairman & CEO of AIG, added: “The AIG Women’s Open reflects our commitment to advancing women in business, sports and society, which is core to AIG’s values. In partnership with The R&A, we are making important strides in elevating the women’s game by continuing to increase the Championship purse and extending live broadcast coverage that will reach an even wider global audience of fans.”
Darbon also noted that the championship now provides more linear television hours in the UK and US than any other women’s golf major. He said: “Elevating all aspects of the AIG Women’s Open is key to our continued success as we build on the foundation of the past 49 years. Building the profile of women’s golf remains central to our ambition to establish the Championship as one of the world’s leading women’s sporting events. Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition and with a 20% increase in live hours compared to 2025, we are setting a new benchmark for women’s golf. 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.”
