The 2026 AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes has simply shattered all records and proven one thing: women's golf is truly taking off! What a spectacle was offered – both on the course and off, when it came to fans and reach. This was more than just a tournament; it was a statement.
A staggering 55,000 spectators were in attendance, cheering on the ladies. This is the highest number since AIG became title sponsor, and another significant upgrade compared to the 47,000 in 2025 at Royal Porthcawl. Thanks to the "Kids Go Free" initiative, nearly 4,500 children under 16 were even able to enter for free – a strong signal for the next generation.
Records on Screen
Performance was also exceptionally strong on screens: Sky Sports recorded record daily average ratings across all four days, an 18.4% increase compared to the previous year. And digitally? A whopping 8.1 million live minutes were watched on R&A TV and YouTube – a phenomenal 181% increase from the previous year. This thing is going viral!
But on the course, the action was equally intense. Shiho Kuwaki claimed victory after a thrilling playoff against our own Esther Henseleit. Kuwaki's triumph was particularly special: she is not a full member of the Tour and snatched her first Major title in just her fourth start – a story straight out of a script.
An Era of Growth
The 50th edition of this Championship was therefore not just an anniversary, but proof of the immense growth in women's golf. The tournament's prize purse also hit a magical milestone with a record-breaking $10 million in 2026. The message is clear: women's golf is on a roll and is captivating more and more fans worldwide.
