The R&A have announced they are significantly increasing the the prize pot for the AIG Women's British Open
The R&A have announced that they are significantly increasing the 2019 Women’s British Open prize money pot for this year’s edition at Woburn.
The championship, sponsored by AIG, will now have the second-highest prize fund of all women’s majors with a total of $4,500,000 (£3.6m) up for grabs – up 40 per cent on 2018’s figure.
For the second time, Woburn’s Marquess course will see the world’s best battle it out as Georgia Hall looks to defend her title. If she wins again, she will take home $675,000 (£520,000), over $200,000 more than last year.
Martin Slumbers, the 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.”
The prize fund for next week’s men’s Open Championship is $10.75 million, with the winner pocketing $1,935,000.
AIG were announced as the new sponsor of the Women’s British Open after the event’s 12-year association with Ricoh came to an end.
2019 Women’s British Open prize money: Breakdown
Pot: $4.5m (£3.6m)
Winner: $675,000 (£520,000)
Full breakdown to follow.
2019 Women’s British Open prize money: How the pros reacted
Love this news from the @RandA Further momentum for women’s sport! ???? https://t.co/RVzR6hRX3z
— Georgia Hall ⛳️ (@georgiahall96) July 8, 2019
Credit to the @RandA and @AIGWBO for moving things in the right direction. Still a long way to go (total prize fund is still less than HALF of the men’s), but credit where it’s due ???????????????? Looking forward to being a part of this @WoburnGC next month #timesarechanging https://t.co/SGDYrk1kea
— Meghan MacLaren (@meg_maclaren) July 8, 2019
???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? https://t.co/0glYJO1nNB
— Lydia Hall (@LydiaHallGolf) July 8, 2019
What are you thoughts on the changes? Is it enough or are you happy that it’s a start? Let us know in the comments below or you can tweet us.
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