Where women have long had to fight for equality in sport, there is cause for celebration in the golfing world. In some big news, this wee’s AIG Women’s Open will total $7.99 million, the largest of any LPGA major after an increase of $1.99 million from what was a year ago at Royal Troon. The tournament is committed to elevating the prize money of its female stars, and in an effort to continue the trend that began in 2019 – which also marked AIG’s first year as title sponsor of the event run by the R&A – the number will rise again in 2022, this time to “no less than” $9.5 million. The figure is one that’s more than double the prize fund from 2018.
Competing at this year’s event is Aussie golfer Minjee Lee who will take to the green fresh off her record-setting breakthrough at last month’s Evian Championship in France. Lee joins an eight-strong Australian team that will take to the women’s event in Scotland. Speaking about what it means to have a tournament now offer a staggering $7.99 million with the winner alone pocketing over a million, Lee told the AAP, “It just sets the bar a little bit higher.”
Lee added, “I know women’s golf has been trending in the right direction. It’s just going from strength to strength and getting better. I’m pretty speechless. I mean, it’s not a small amount of money but I feel like it’s what we deserve and just a little bit more motivation to go out there and play well. I think we’re all going to be excited to go out there and play for more money. I know I am.”
Speaking about the pay increase, R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers, a well-known advocate for women’s golf, said in a statement, “We believe that this action to make changes sends a strong signal that more needs to be done, and I believe can be done, by everyone involved in our sport. In addition to the prize money, our ambition is for the AIG Women’s Open to be recognised at one of the most prestigious women’s championships and further build on its reputation as the most International major played at iconic courses that are much loved around the world.”
In the lead up to the event, Lee has had time to scope the course and is wary of the challenges Carnoustie presents. “It’s just really nice to be able to see the course twice. The fairways are quite tight and, obviously, the bunkers are pot bunkers so they’re quite penalising.”
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The world number 11 added, “You’ve got to drive the ball really well here, place it on the fairway and even the first cut is good. Obviously, it’s nice if you can putt well but it’s a ball-striker’s course. It’s going to be really important to strike it well.”
Lee is calm and confident of her chances in taking out the top prize and she’ll be attacking the course with a focused energy. “It’s just so cool to be here. The course is really, really hard in a lot of respects. There’s a lot of difficulty. It’s going to be tough for everybody. I just think it’s going to be a great challenge this week.”
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