The AIG Women’s Open stands as one of golf’s most prestigious major championships, having crowned 41 different champions since its inception in 1976. From Jenny Lee Smith’s pioneering victory at Fulford Golf Club to Lydia Ko’s recent triumph at St Andrews, this championship has evolved from a modest £500 prize fund to a $9.75 million spectacle, representing the pinnacle of women’s professional golf. Discover the complete history, remarkable records, and legendary champions who have shaped nearly five decades of elite competition.

From Humble Beginnings to Major Championship Status

The Women’s British Open began in 1976 as an evolution of the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, organized by the Ladies’ Golf Union since 1969. The transformation occurred when professionals Vivien Saunders and Gwen Brandom contributed £200 in prize money, opening the event to professional players for the first time.

With just five professionals competing alongside amateurs in 1976, the total prize fund was a modest £500. Remarkably, amateur Jenny Lee Smith claimed the inaugural title, with Saunders finishing as the leading professional in fourth place. This historic moment at Fulford Golf Club in York marked the beginning of what would become one of women’s golf’s most important championships.

Major Championship Timeline: Recognized as LET major (1992) → LPGA event (1994) → LPGA major championship (2001)

Year-by-Year Winners

Scoring Records

• Lowest 72-hole Total: 269 (-19) by Karen Stupples (2004) and Karrie Webb (1997)
• Largest Margin of Victory: 11 strokes by Ayako Okamoto (1984)
• Largest Margin (Major Era): 9 strokes by Jiyai Shin (2012)
• Wire-to-Wire Winners (Major Era): Jeong Jang (2005), Lorena Ochoa (2007)

Historic Milestones

• First Winner: Jenny Lee Smith (amateur, 1976)
• Youngest Winner: Laura Davies (22 years old, 1986)
• Oldest Winner: Sherri Steinhauer (43 years old, 2006)
• Last Amateur Winner: Marta Figueras-Dotti (1982)
• Consecutive Winners: Debbie Massey (1980-81), Sherri Steinhauer (1998-99), Yani Tseng (2010-11)

National Championships Tally

Most Frequent Host Venues

Tournament Name & Sponsorship Timeline

• 1976-1986: Women’s British Open (Ladies’ Golf Union)
• 1987-2006: Weetabix Women’s British Open (20 years)
• 2007-2018: Ricoh Women’s British Open (12 years)
• 2019-2020: AIG Women’s British Open
• 2021-Present: AIG Women’s Open (dropped “British” qualifier)

Prize Fund Evolution

• 1976: £500 total prize fund
• 1979: £10,000 (£3,000 first prize)
• 2001 (Major Status): $1.5 million
• 2013: $2.75 million
• 2023: $9.0 million
• 2025: $9.75 million ($1.46M winner’s share)

Legendary Championship Moments

Pioneering Victories

1976 – Jenny Lee Smith: The amateur who launched a legacy, becoming the first-ever Women’s British Open champion at Fulford Golf Club with a score of 299.

1984 – Ayako Okamoto: Set the all-time record for largest margin of victory (11 strokes) at Woburn, demonstrating absolute dominance despite shooting 77 in the final round.

Record-Breaking Performances

1997 & 2004: Karrie Webb (269, -19) and Karen Stupples (269, -19) set the championship scoring record. Stupples achieved this with a remarkable final-round comeback, shooting the lowest final round by any champion.

2007 – Lorena Ochoa: Wire-to-wire victory at St Andrews, becoming the first Mexican major champion and showcasing her dominance during her peak years as world No. 1.

Cinderella Stories

2019 – Hinako Shibuno: “Smiling Cinderella” won in her first tournament outside Japan, becoming an instant global sensation at Woburn.

2020 – Sophia Popov: Ranked 304th in the world and qualifying just a week before, Popov’s victory at Royal Troon stands as one of golf’s greatest upsets.

The Full Championship Roll of Honor

* Denotes first championship as LPGA major (2001)

As the AIG Women’s Open approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the championship stands as a testament to the growth and evolution of women’s professional golf. From Jenny Lee Smith’s amateur triumph with a £500 prize fund to today’s $9.75 million spectacle, the tournament has consistently elevated the profile of women’s golf worldwide.

The championship’s commitment to being “the most international major in golf” is evidenced by champions from 14 different countries, with nine different nationalities winning the last nine editions. This global diversity, combined with the tournament’s rotation among golf’s most prestigious venues, ensures the AIG Women’s Open remains a crown jewel in professional golf.

With 2025 marking the first time the championship visits Wales at Royal Porthcawl, the tournament continues to break new ground while honoring its rich traditions. The Smyth Salver for leading amateur, the emphasis on links golf heritage, and the celebration of both established stars and breakthrough performers all contribute to its unique character.

As we look toward the future, the AIG Women’s Open stands poised to continue its role as the season’s final major championship, where legends are made, records are broken, and golf history is written across some of the world’s most challenging and beautiful courses.

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