AIG Chairman Peter Zappino and R&A CEO Martin Slumbers stand together. [사진=R&A]
The total prize money for the AIG Women’s Open, one of the five major women’s golf tournaments, has increased to $9 million (approximately 11.83 billion won).
Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) CEO Martin Slumbers said at a press conference held at the Walton Heath Golf Club (par 72) Media Center in Surrey, England on the 9th (local time), “The total prize money of this year’s AIG Women’s Open was set at $9 million,” he said.
The $9 million is an increase of $1.8 million (about 2.37 billion won) compared to last year ($7.2 million). The increase rate is 23%.
The $9 million is the same size as the Genesis Scottish Open, a tournament co-sponsored by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, held last month at the Renaissance Club (par 70) in North Berwick, Scotland, UK.
In 2013, 10 years ago, the total prize money of this tournament was 2.75 million dollars (approximately 3.61 billion won). When AIG started sponsoring it in 2019, it increased to $4.5 million (approximately 5.91 billion won). After that, it rose to $ 5.8 million (about 7.62 billion won) in 2021 and up to $ 7.3 million (about 9.59 billion won) last year. This year’s $9 million is a 227% increase over 10 years ago. It increased by 6.25 million dollars (approximately 8.21 billion won).
“We have a strong relationship with AIG. It’s a strong golf alliance and we’re excited to see that continue,” said Slumbers CEO.
“We are looking forward to this year’s event. I wish all the players the best of luck,” said AIG President Peter Zappino.
AIG has extended its sponsorship of the event through 2030. Starting in 2019, we have set up a sponsorship plan for 11 consecutive years.
Meanwhile, R&A has unveiled the venue for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open. The Royal Lytham and St Anne’s Golf Club in Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire, England.
Royal Lytham and St Anne’s Golf Club has hosted The Open Championship, one of the four major men’s golf tournaments, 11 times and the Women’s Open five times.
Major winners include Annika Sorenstam in 2003, Katrina Mathew in 2009 and Georgia Hall in 2018. Hall, an AIG ambassador, won the trophy for his country after 14 years here.
Reporter Information Seori = Lee Dong-hoon ldhlive@ajunews.com
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