The AIG Women’s Open at the historic Old Course at St. Andrews is one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf, and winning it is a significant accomplishment. Lydia Ko, this year’s champion, joins the esteemed list of winners who have claimed victory at the Home of Golf. Not only did Ko secure the title, but she also earned a substantial monetary prize of $1.425 million, a record-breaking amount set by the R&A for this year’s event. This marked a significant increase from the last time the Open was held at St. Andrews in 2013, where Stacy Lewis took home $402,583 for her first-place finish.
The prize money payouts for each golfer who made the cut at the AIG Women’s Open were as follows: Lydia Ko claimed the win with $1,425,000, while Ruoning Yin, Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Jiyai Shin tied for second place with $594,759 each. The rest of the top finishers received varying amounts, with Ariya Jutanugarn taking home $319,336 for sixth place, and Akie Iwai, Casandra Alexander, and Mao Saigo all earning $236,366 for seventh place. The prize money decreased for the remaining positions, with the players finishing in the top 20 still taking home significant amounts ranging from $108,235 to $160,250.
For the golfers who finished outside the top 20, the prize money ranged from $91,414 for those who tied for 22nd place to $9,459 for Ursula Wikstrom, who finished in 82nd place. Additionally, all professionals who qualified for the event but missed the cut were still guaranteed $4,500 in unofficial money. This demonstrates the commitment of the tournament organizers to support the players and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their participation in the event. Overall, the prize money distribution at the AIG Women’s Open reflects the prestige and significance of the tournament in the world of women’s golf.
The large prize money payouts at the AIG Women’s Open highlight the growing interest and investment in women’s golf, with players like Lydia Ko reaping the rewards of their skill and dedication to the sport. The record-breaking prize money announced by the R&A for this year’s event demonstrates the increasing recognition and support for women’s golf at the highest levels of competition. As more top players like Ko continue to showcase their talent and compete on the global stage, the future of women’s golf looks bright, with opportunities for even greater growth and success in the years to come. The AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews serves as a platform for the best female golfers in the world to shine and compete for prestigious titles and substantial financial rewards.
