The R&A has extended its partnership with AIG which sees the title sponsorship of the the AIG Women’s Open renewed.
The finance and insurance corporation will now maintain naming rights to the professional women’s golf tournament until at least 2030.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive Officer of the R&A, said, “In AIG and Peter Zaffino, we have found an ally of women’s golf which has formed the basis of our strong partnership and I am delighted to see that continue.
“We have a clear vision for the AIG Women’s Open; we want to see the best women golfers compete on the best golf courses in front of large crowds and show us how good they are.
“When I look around at the 2023 AIG Women’s Open and what we have achieved in five years, I am incredibly proud; but even more so, I am inspired by what we can still do. The future of women’s golf is bright and it is up to us, with the support of the wider industry, to take bold steps, in a way that is financially sustainable, to ensure our aspirations become reality.”
The total prize fund for the AIG Women’s Open has increased significantly since AIG became the title sponsor in 2019. At this year’s Championship, which will be played from 10th and 13th August 2023 at Walton Heath, the total prize fund will be US$9m (£7m), a 23% increase on 2022.
Peter Zaffino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or AIG, added, “We are proud to be the title sponsor of the AIG Women’s Open. This long-term extension reinforces our commitment to continue providing leadership on gender equity and gender pay equity and reinforces our tremendous partnership with and respect for The R&A.
“The R&A shares our values and particularly our allyship and dedication to having a meaningful impact on women in golf, business and society more broadly. We became the title sponsor in 2019 with an overall objective of demonstrating leadership in profiling the elite athletes who compete in the AIG Women’s Open on a global stage and ensuring that the Championship was elevated and recognised for the progress that has been made in both the prize money and the selection of venues for these exceptionally talented women.”
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