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

Chevron Championship: Nelly Korda sets 36-hole scoring to race six strokes clear in first women's major of 2026

Chevron Championship: Nelly Korda sets 36-hole scoring to race six strokes clear in first women's major of 2026

Nelly Korda moved closer to a third major title as the world No 2 set the new 36-hole scoring record at the Chevron Championship to stretch her lead t...

Chevron Championship: Nelly Korda remains five shots clear ahead of final round and closes in on third major title

Chevron Championship: Nelly Korda remains five shots clear ahead of final round and closes in on third major title

Nelly Korda remains five shots clear at the Chevron Championship and in poll position ahead of the final round despite failing to reach the heights of...

Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry combine for Zurich Classic: Field, format and prize money for PGA Tour team event

Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry combine for Zurich Classic: Field, format and prize money for PGA Tour team event

Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka will combine for this week's Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event, at TPC Louisiana.They will form part of a field o...

Ryder Cup: Jim Furyk confirmed as Team USA captain for 2027 tournament at Adare Manor

Ryder Cup: Jim Furyk confirmed as Team USA captain for 2027 tournament at Adare Manor

Jim Furyk has been confirmed as Team USA captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.The 55-year-old becomes one of only four US captains...

Can Nelly Korda be Tiger Woods-like force in women's golf? - 'She has the ability to be dominant', says Catriona Matthew

Can Nelly Korda be Tiger Woods-like force in women's golf? - 'She has the ability to be dominant', says Catriona Matthew

Nelly Korda "has the ability to be dominant" in women's golf after clinching a third major title, says Catriona Matthew.Korda returned to world No 1 a...

Chevron Championship beginner's guide: Field, format and all you need to know ahead of first women’s major of 2026

Chevron Championship beginner's guide: Field, format and all you need to know ahead of first women’s major of 2026

What makes The Chevron Championship so special? How can players qualify? Where is the tournament being held? And who is likely to impress? We get you...