Golf Apr 29, 2026

AIG Women's Open: R&A increases prize pot for major to $10m as Sunningdale announced as 2028 venue

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
AIG Women's Open: R&A increases prize pot for major to $10m as Sunningdale announced as 2028 venue

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 Your Site.

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 Your Site this July. or .

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

Tiger Woods at 50: As 15-time major champion celebrates milestone birthday, when will he return to competitive golf?

Tiger Woods at 50: As 15-time major champion celebrates milestone birthday, when will he return to competitive golf?

Tiger Woods is celebrating his 50th birthday – but when will golf fans be toasting the 15-time major champion’s return to competitive action?Woods was...

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Reaction, highlights from Collin Morikawa's win and Scottie Scheffler's Sunday comeback

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Reaction, highlights from Collin Morikawa's win and Scottie Scheffler's Sunday comeback

Graham to leave Spurs this summerKit Graham will leave Tottenham this summer upon the expiry of her contract.The attacker has been at S...

Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith all committed to LIV Golf after Brooks Koepka returned to PGA Tour

Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith all committed to LIV Golf after Brooks Koepka returned to PGA Tour

Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith have committed to LIV Golf after Brooks Koepka announced his departure after four seasons with the Saudi-bac...

Rory McIlroy happy that game is in good shape after taking positive steps in second-place finish at Genesis Invitational

Rory McIlroy happy that game is in good shape after taking positive steps in second-place finish at Genesis Invitational

Rory McIlroy says he is pleased with the positive strides he made at the Genesis Invitational despite falling just short after his Sunday surge.Jacob...

Chevron Championship: Rection and analysis as Nelly Korda claims third major

Chevron Championship: Rection and analysis as Nelly Korda claims third major

Catley signs new Arsenal dealSteph Catley has signed a new contract with Arsenal.The defender joined the club in July 2020, and has gone on...

Where are the golf majors held? Confirmed future venues for The Open, US Open, PGA Championship and more

Where are the golf majors held? Confirmed future venues for The Open, US Open, PGA Championship and more

Here are all the confirmed venues for the future majors, including The Open, US Open, PGA Championship, AIG Women's Open and more. Augusta National ho...