R&A announce $1.25million prize increase for AIG Women’s British Open
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The R&A have announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2019 AIG Women’s British Open
Following in the footsteps of an increased U.S. Women’s Open purse last month, the R&A have announced that the upcoming prize fund for the AIG Women’s British Open will be $4,500,000 – an increase of almost 40%.
Taking place on the Marquess’ Course at Woburn, 1- 4th August 2019, the AIG Women’s British Open now offers the second highest prize fund of the five Major Championships in the women’s game, and comes in the first year of AIG’s five-year partnership as title sponsor.
Last year Georgia Hall took home $490,000 for winning her maiden major title from a total purse was $3.25million, while this year the winner will take home $675,000.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “We recognised that more needed to be done to elevate the prize fund for this great championship and are pleased that we have been able to make a significant increase this year as part of The R&A’s commitment to women’s golf.
“This is an important first step and we know it will take time to move closer to achieving parity with the men’s game. We will continue to work toward the long-term goal of a sustainable business model but we can’t do it alone and the support of fans, sponsors and media are all key to achieving that success.”
It’s a significant increase as they bid to edge closer to a similar reward to the men, but that goal is still a long way off: The winner’s prize of $675,000 is less than half of the $1,890,000 Francesco Molinari took home for claiming the Claret Jug at Carnoustie last year.
Jeongeun Lee6 claimed the biggest prize in women’s golf at the U.S. Open in June when she took home $1million at Charleston CC in South Carolina, which was the first time the payout had reached $1million for a single-tournament. And while the prize money may not be near what the men get just yet, it’s a step in the right direction.
For further information on the Championship, please visit www.AIGwomensbritishopen.com
