The R&A
The world’s best female golfers will showcase their talents on the famous Old Course at St. Andrews this week. The AIG Women’s Open offers an experience both on and off the course.
In terms of prestige, investment and exposure, the championship has become one of the most lucrative and eagerly awaited highlights in the women’s calendar.
The return of the AIG Women’s Open – the last major of the year – to the cradle of tennis at St. Andrews from August 21 to 25 has only further enhanced this status.
Height of the championship
“Part of the significance of the AIG Women’s Open is that it is played on the best courses that offer the greatest challenge,” says R&A CEO Martin Slumbers, as this is only the third time the championship has been held at the famous Fife Links golf course.
The alliance with title sponsor AIG has accelerated this growth. The partnership began in 2019 and was extended until 2030.
“When I look at what we have achieved over the last five years, I am personally incredibly proud,” added Slumbers. “But I am even more inspired by what we can still achieve.”
Favorites to watch
A star-studded field, including homegrown tennis hopefuls Georgia Hall, Charley Hull and Gemma Dryburgh, will clash with defending champion Lilia Vu, world number one Nelly Korda and a galaxy of stars from around the world.
At the inaugural championship in 1976 at Fulford, the first prize was £210. Last year at Walton Heath, Vu walked away with a $1.35 million cheque from a total prize fund of $9 million – a prize fund that has doubled since 2019 with the support of AIG and The R&A.
Players at St. Andrews will also have access to the AIG Women’s Open Clubhouse, opening in 2022, a bespoke facility that will provide space for the pitch and enable them to prepare for a major championship.
Tom Grennan Concert
In the home of golf, the spectator experience will be further enhanced by allowing different communities to enjoy the new-look Festival Village introduced in Surrey last year.
Fans can try out the Golf It! Zone, take free golf lessons, play the new Just Swing Roblox game (launched by The R&A in June) or enjoy a selection of food and drink. St Andrews will also resonate with the sounds of one of the world’s leading singer-songwriters when BRIT and Ivor Novello Award nominee Tom Grennan takes to the stage as headliner on Saturday night (24 August), supported by Fleur East.
The AIG Women’s Open is a prime example of the R&A’s commitment to promoting women’s golf. This support includes initiatives such as the Women in Golf Charter, Women in Golf Leadership Programme and Women in Golf Summit events, which continue to inspire women to participate in the sport, whether on the fairways or in their professional lives.
For more information and tickets for this week’s AIG Women’s Open, visit https://www.aigwomensopen.com.
