Opening Golf to the World
The AIG Women’s Open is one of the five major championships in professional women's golf and the pinnacle of the international women's game.
First established in 1976 and organized by The R&A, the Championship returns to the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes from 29 July to 2 August 2026 for its landmark 50th staging. An international field of 144 elite golfers will compete for the championship title, alongside the world’s leading amateur players contesting the coveted Smyth Salver. Japan's Miyu Yamashita enters the tournament as the defending champion following her victory at Royal Porthcawl in 2025. By staging this world-class championship at premier venues, The R&A continues its commitment to elevate women's golf, delivering an elite championship that inspires the next generation of players and fans globally.Record prize pot
The field will be competing for a record-breaking $10 million prize fund - the highest in the Championship's history.
While the world's top-ranked players and past major champions earn direct entry through their career exemptions, the remaining spots will be fiercely contested by hopefuls battling through intense final qualifying.
Fans can follow every moment of the drama with significantly expanded live broadcast coverage, making it easier than ever to watch the world's best take on the ultimate test at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
While the world's top-ranked players and past major champions earn direct entry through their career exemptions, the remaining spots will be fiercely contested by hopefuls battling through intense final qualifying.
Fans can follow every moment of the drama with significantly expanded live broadcast coverage, making it easier than ever to watch the world's best take on the ultimate test at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
The AIG Women's Open
Royal Lytham & St Annes, England
The AIG Women's Open was last staged at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2018 when Georgia Hall clinched the title with a final round of five-under-par, earning her first major victory just five years after triumphing in the R&A Women’s Amateur Championship. This year, the historic venue takes centre stage once again to host the championship's milestone 50th edition, marking the sixth time these punishing links will crown the ultimate champion in women's golf.
Holes
18
Par
71
Length
6,601
Founded
1886
Country
England
AIG Women's Open Amateur Series
Elite amateur players competing in Europe had an additional chance to qualify for the AIG Women's Open through a sequence of three elite amateur championships.
R&A TV
Video Features & Highlights
Head to R&A TV for the best video content from the AIG Women's Open.