Huge Boost for AIG Women’s Open As Sponsor Extends Support And Targets 'Gender Pay Equity'

AIG have extended their support for the event to 2030, with the prize fund raised to $9m for this year's championship

AIG Women's Open
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Organisers of this week’s AIG Women’s Open have received a major boost after the title sponsor extended its partnership with The R&A to 2030.

The total prize fund for the AIG Women’s Open has increased significantly since AIG became title sponsor in 2019.  At this year’s championship, which will be played from Thursday to Sunday at Walton Heath, the prize fund is US$9 million - a 23% increase on 2022.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We have found an ally of women’s golf which has formed the basis of our strong partnership and I am delighted to see that continue.  We have a clear vision for the AIG Women’s Open; we want to see the best women golfers compete on the best golf courses in front of large crowds and show us how good they are.

Slumbers continued: “When I look around at the 2023 AIG Women’s Open and what we have achieved in five years, I am incredibly proud; but even more so, I am inspired by what we can still do. The future of women’s golf is bright and it is up to us, with the support of the wider industry, to take bold steps, in a way that is financially sustainable, to ensure our aspirations become reality.”

This year’s champion at Walton Heath will earn $1.35 million but it is still less than half of the $3m Brian Harman picked up a Royal Liverpool. 

Peter Zaffino, chairman & CEO of AIG , is pushing for “gender pay equity”. He said: “We are proud to be the title sponsor of the AIG Women’s Open. This long-term extension reinforces our commitment to continue providing leadership on gender equity and gender pay equity and reinforces our tremendous partnership with and respect for The R&A.”

Charley Hull addresses a press conference ahead of the AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath Golf Club

Charley Hull addresses a press conference ahead of the AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath  

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It was also announced today that the AIG Women’s Open will be played at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2026, continuing the plan to take the championship to world-class venues which includes the Old Course next year.

Slumbers added: “Royal Lytham and St Annes has a long and proud history of hosting the biggest golf championships in the world and we are delighted to be taking the AIG Women’s Open there in 2026. It is one of the finest links courses in the United Kingdom and has produced many memorable champions, including Georgia Hall’s 2018 victory.

“We look forward to making more memories at Royal Lytham and adding to the history of the AIG Women’s Open on this world-class links.”   Zaffino added, “The women’s game of golf has never been in better shape.”

The AIG Women’s Open taking place this week features the world's best golfers including world number one Nelly Korda, world number two Jin Young Ko and world number three Lydia Ko as well as AIG ambassador and former champion Georgia Hall.

Live music will also feature as part of a new, enhanced fan experience with superstar Ellie Goulding performing a headline set on Saturday.

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James Nursey
Contributor

James Nursey is a freelance contributor to Golf Monthly after spending over 20 years as a sports reporter in newspapers. During a 17-year career with the Daily Mirror, he covered mainly football but reported from The Open annually and also covered a Ryder Cup and three US Opens. He counts a pre-tournament exclusive with Justin Rose at Merion in 2013 as one of his most memorable as the Englishman went on to win his first Major and later repeated much of the interview in his winner’s speech.  Now, after choosing to leave full-time work in newspapers, James, who is a keen single-figure player, is writing about golf more.  His favourite track is the Old Course after attending St Andrews University but has since played mainly at Edgbaston, where he is on the honours board. He is an active member of the Association of Golf Writers and Press Golfing Society but his favourite round is playing the game with his children. James is currently playing:  Driver: Ping G400 3 wood: Ping i20 Hybrid: Ping i20 Irons: Ping i500 4-SW Wedges: Ping Glide forged 50, 56 Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour Ball: Titleist ProVI