R&A announces record AIG Women’s Open prize money

The 2024 AIG Women’s Open will boast a record prize money purse, as announced by the R&A.

Since AIG became the title sponsor in 2019, the prize fund for the final major championship of the year has tripled.

The $9 million total on offer at Walton Heath last year was a 23% rise on the purse available in 2022.

Meanwhile, winner Lilia Vu walked away with a cheque for $1.35 million, an increase of just over $250,000.

But whoever wins this year’s championship, at the Old Course, will pick up $1.425 million, as part of another purse increase.

In total, $9.5 million is on the line as the event returns to St Andrews for the first time since 2013, when Stacy Lewis lifted the title.

“With the outstanding backing we have received from AIG as our title sponsor we have been able to achieve a step change and take this Championship to new levels,” said Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A.

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“We greatly appreciate AIG’s support and are proud that they share our goal to elevate the AIG Women’s Open still further and ensure it remains at the pinnacle of the women’s game.

“The increased prize fund and our enhancements to the staging and the spectator experience this year reflect our shared commitment to making the AIG Women’s Open a world class championship for players and fans alike.”

Despite the increase, the AIG Women’s Open still trails the US Women’s Open and Women’s PGA Championship in terms of total prize money.

Amy Yang received $1.56 million, from a $10.4 million purse, at the PGA, while Yuka Saso won $2.4 million, from a $12 million purse, at the US Women’s Open.

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It does, however, mean the event is worth $1.6 million more than the Chevron Championship and $1.5 million more than the Evian championship in total prize fund.

It comes after the R&A made a $500,000 increase to The Open’s prize purse at Royal Troon in July. Xander Schauffele left south Ayrshire with a record $3.1 million.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.