The 2025 AIG Women's Open takes place July 30-August 3 at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, marking the first time this major championship has been held in Wales. World No. 1 Nelly Korda and defending champion Lydia Ko lead a field of 144 elite players competing for the largest prize fund in women's golf. Rising star Lottie Woad, fresh from her professional debut victory, headlines the favorites alongside established major champions. Gallery tickets start from £25 with free admission for children under 16.
2025 AIG Women's Open - Ticket Booking & Gallery Information Guide
⚡ Tournament Overview
The 2025 AIG Women's Open represents the 49th edition of this prestigious championship and serves as the final major of the women's golf season. This historic event marks the first time Wales has hosted this major championship, with Royal Porthcawl Golf Club providing a stunning links test for the world's best female golfers.
Founded in 1891, Royal Porthcawl has previously hosted seven Amateur Championships, the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, and three Senior Opens, establishing itself as one of Wales' premier championship venues with spectacular coastal views and challenging links conditions.
📅 Tournament Schedule & Details
| Details | Information |
| Tournament Dates | July 30 - August 3, 2025 (Wednesday-Sunday) |
| Venue | Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, Wales |
| Final Qualifying | July 28 (Monday) at Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club |
| Field Size | 144 professional and amateur players |
| Cut Line | Top 70 players and ties after second round |
💰 Prize Money & Championship Purse
The 2024 AIG Women's Open featured a record-breaking $9.5 million purse, with champion Lydia Ko earning $1,425,000 - the largest winner's check in the tournament's 48-year history. This represented a $500,000 increase from the previous year's total.
Prize Money Growth Under AIG Sponsorship:
- 2019: $3.2 million (AIG's first year as title sponsor)
- 2022: $5.8 million (45% increase)
- 2023: $7.3 million (26% increase)
- 2024: $9.5 million (30% increase)
While the 2025 purse hasn't been officially announced, continued growth is expected, potentially reaching $10 million for the first time in the championship's history.
🌟 Championship Favorites & Key Players
🏆 Tournament Favorites
Top Betting Favorites:
- Lottie Woad (England) - Fresh from winning her professional debut at the Scottish Open, the former world No. 1 amateur is the bookmakers' favorite
- Nelly Korda (USA) - Current world No. 1, seeking to add to her major championship collection
- Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand) - World No. 2 and 2025 Mizuho Americas Open winner
- Lydia Ko (New Zealand) - Defending champion and Olympic gold medalist
Major Champions in the Field:
Minjee Lee (2025 KPMG Women's PGA winner), Maja Stark (2025 US Women's Open winner), Grace Kim (2025 Evian Championship winner), Mao Saigo (2025 Chevron Championship winner), and numerous other major champions will compete for golf's final major of 2025.
🌍 International Field Highlights
🇬🇧 British & Irish Contenders:
- Charley Hull - England's leading player seeking her first major title
- Georgia Hall - 2018 AIG Women's Open champion
- Bronte Law - Multiple LPGA Tour winner
🌏 Asian Stars:
- Hinako Shibuno (Japan) - 2019 AIG Women's Open champion
- Angel Yin (USA/Chinese heritage) - 2025 Honda LPGA Thailand winner
- Rio Takeda (Japan) - 2025 Blue Bay LPGA winner
🌟 Rising Stars:
Anna Huang (16-year-old qualifier), Jennifer Kupcho (2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic winner), and Carlota Ciganda (2025 Meijer LPGA Classic winner) represent the next generation of women's golf.
🏅 2025 LPGA Tour Season Winners
🏆 Major Championship Winners
| Major Championship | Winner | Country |
| The Chevron Championship | Mao Saigo | Japan |
| U.S. Women's Open | Maja Stark | Sweden |
| KPMG Women's PGA Championship | Minjee Lee | Australia |
| Amundi Evian Championship | Grace Kim | Australia |
| AIG Women's Open | TBD | Wales |
🎯 Regular Tour Winners in 2025
Notable 2025 Winners:
- A Lim Kim - Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions
- Yealimi Noh - Founders Cup
- Angel Yin - Honda LPGA Thailand
- Lydia Ko - HSBC Women's World Championship
- Rio Takeda - Blue Bay LPGA
- Hyo-Joo Kim - Ford Championship
- Madelene Sagstrom - T-Mobile Match Play
- Ingrid Lindblad - JM Eagle LA Championship
- Jeeno Thitikul - Mizuho Americas Open
- Lottie Woad - ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open (Professional debut win)
🏆 Championship History & Past Winners
📚 Tournament Legacy
Tournament Evolution: First played in 1976 at Fulford Golf Club in York when Jenny Lee Smith became the inaugural champion. The championship transformed from a £500 prize fund to becoming an LPGA major in 2001, now featuring the largest purse in women's golf.
Key Milestones:
- 1976: First championship held with Jenny Lee Smith as winner
- 2001: Elevated to major championship status
- 2019: AIG becomes title sponsor, transforming the championship
- 2025: First time held in Wales at Royal Porthcawl
🌟 Multiple Champions
Only five players in history have won the AIG Women's Open multiple times:
| Champion | Wins | Years |
| Karrie Webb (Australia) | 3 | 1995, 1997, 2002 |
| Sherri Steinhauer (USA) | 3 | 1998, 1999, 2006 |
| Jiyai Shin (South Korea) | 2 | 2008, 2012 |
| Yani Tseng (Taiwan) | 2 | 2010, 2011 |
| Debbie Massey (USA) | 2 | 1980, 1981 |
🌏 Champions by Country
The AIG Women's Open showcases its international character with champions from 14 different countries:
- United States (12 wins): Most successful nation with victories from 1980-2023
- England (8 wins): Strong home representation including Georgia Hall (2018)
- South Korea (6 wins): Dominant since 2001 with Se Ri Pak's breakthrough victory
- Australia (4 wins): Led by three-time champion Karrie Webb
- Other notable champions: Taiwan (2), Japan (1), Germany (1), Mexico (1), New Zealand (1)
💎 Major Championship Winner Benefits
🏆 Tournament Exemptions & Privileges
What the AIG Women's Open Champion Receives:
🎯 Tournament Access:
- Five-year exemption into all other major championships
- Automatic entry to AIG Women's Open for next 10 years
- LPGA Tour membership privileges
- Invitation to prestigious season-ending events
💰 Financial & Career Benefits:
- Winner's prize money (expected $1.4+ million in 2025)
- Significant endorsement opportunities and bonuses
- Enhanced sponsor negotiations leverage
- Lifetime prestige and marketing value
🌟 Additional Perks:
- Entry into Rolex ANNIKA Major Award competition
- CME Globe points towards season championship
- World Golf Rankings points boost
- Solheim Cup points for eligible players
🏅 Career Impact of Major Victory
Instant Career Transformation: A major championship victory provides job security, global recognition, and entry into golf's elite circle. Winners gain access to the world's best tournaments and dramatically increase their earning potential through both prize money and endorsements.
Historical Significance: Major champions join an exclusive group of just 41 different players who have won the AIG Women's Open since 1976, with their names forever etched in golf history alongside legends like Annika Sörenstam, Se Ri Pak, and Karrie Webb.
⛳ Royal Porthcawl Golf Club
Royal Porthcawl presents a classic links test along Wales' south coast, featuring holes that play alongside the Bristol Channel before moving inland through undulating terrain characterized by thick gorse and challenging elevation changes.
🌊 Course Characteristics:
- Spectacular coastal holes with sea views and ever-changing wind conditions
- Inland routing through gorse-lined fairways requiring precision
- More elevation changes than typical links courses
- Championship pedigree with history of hosting major amateur events
🎫 Gallery Tickets & Spectator Information
💳 Ticket Pricing
| Ticket Type | Price | Benefits |
| Adult Daily | From £25 | Full course access, grandstand seating |
| Youth (under 24) | £12.50 (50% off) | ID verification required |
| Children (under 16) | FREE | Must be accompanied by adult |
| Four-Day Pass | Discounted rate | All tournament rounds |
| Champions Club | Premium pricing | VIP hospitality, best viewing |
📱 Booking & Digital Experience
🛒 How to Purchase:
- Official website: aigwomensopen.com
- Mastercard holders save £5 on purchases
- Family packages available for additional savings
📲 Digital Features:
- AIG WO Tickets app for digital ticket delivery
- Re-entry permitted with wristband collection
- Live scoring and player tracking via official app
🏟️ On-Site Amenities
- Public grandstands at 1st tee and 18th green
- Additional viewing platforms at 17th green
- Large screens and electronic scoreboards throughout course
- Festival Fan Village with diverse food options
- Family-friendly activities and entertainment
- Sustainable championship initiatives
💬 Spectator Reviews & Experiences
Sarah Mitchell, Golf Enthusiast from London (2024 St Andrews)
"Witnessing Lydia Ko's dramatic victory at the home of golf was absolutely magical. The atmosphere on the 18th hole was electric, and the tournament organization was flawless. The ticket prices are very reasonable compared to other major championships, and the free entry for children makes it perfect for families."
David Thompson, Corporate Host (2023 Walton Heath)
"The Champions Club hospitality exceeded all expectations. The viewing positions are exceptional, and the service was world-class. Our international clients were thoroughly impressed with the professional setup and the quality of women's golf on display. Excellent investment for business entertainment."
Emma Roberts, First-time Attendee (2024 St Andrews)
"As someone new to golf, this championship opened my eyes to how exciting the sport can be. The skill level of these athletes is incredible, and the course setup at St Andrews was breathtaking. The mobile app made it easy to follow my favorite players, and the food options were excellent."
🚗 Gallery Parking & Transportation Guide
🅿️ Parking Information
🆓 Free Parking Available:
- Public Car Park: Free parking for cars and motorcycles, located 225 meters from main entrance
- Access Route: Exit M4 motorway at Junction 38, follow black and yellow AA event signs
- Disabled Access: Blue badge holders park free in Green A car park (closer to entrance via M4 J37)
- Bicycle Parking: Free bike rack available in Green A car park
🚌 Coach & Group Transport:
- Vehicles with 23+ seats require advance parking pass - email tickets@aigwomensopen.com by July 9
- Minibus parking available free in public car park
- No overnight parking permitted
- Friends & Family drop-off area located next to taxi rank
🚂 Public Transport Options
🚌 FREE Shuttle Bus Service:
- Route: Bridgend Railway Station ⇄ Royal Porthcawl (8 miles)
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes throughout championship week
- Eco-Friendly: Low-emission buses using hydrogen/HVO fuel (94% less CO2)
- Wednesday (Practice): First bus 8:30am (Gates open 9am)
- Thu & Fri (Rounds 1-2): First bus 5:30am (Gates open 6am)
- Sat & Sun (Rounds 3-4): First bus 7:30am (Gates open 8am)
🚆 Train Connections to Bridgend:
- Direct services from Cardiff, Swansea, London Paddington
- Airport connections via London Heathrow, Bristol, Cardiff Wales
- Local bus services to Porthcawl via Traveline Cymru network
📱 Digital Ticket Management
📲 AIGWO Tickets App Required:
- All tickets delivered digitally via AIGWO Tickets app
- Download from Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Use same email address for app login as ticket purchase
- Tickets appear within 24 hours of purchase
- Transfer function allows sharing tickets with group members
💳 Cashless Venue:
- Credit/debit cards ONLY for all purchases
- No cash accepted for food, drinks, or merchandise
- Mastercard users get £5 discount on ticket purchases
🌱 Sustainability Initiatives
- 🚴♀️ Cycling encouraged with dedicated bike parking facilities
- 🚌 Car sharing promoted to reduce traffic congestion
- 💧 Free water refill stations throughout venue (bring reusable bottles)
- 🥗 Locally sourced catering with vegan/vegetarian options
- ♻️ Comprehensive recycling program in partnership with local council
- 🌿 Greenlinks environmental program for sustainable championships
💡 Essential Spectator Tips
- 🚌 Strongly recommend using free shuttle bus service from Bridgend station
- 📱 Download both official apps before arrival for seamless experience
- ⏰ Arrive early on weekend rounds for best parking and viewing spots
- 🧢 Prepare for all weather conditions with appropriate clothing
- 💧 Bring reusable water bottle to save money and help environment
- 📷 Professional cameras prohibited; smartphone photography welcome
- 👥 Children under 16 must be accompanied by adults at all times
- 💳 No cash accepted - ensure cards are working before arrival
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the expected prize money for 2025?
A. While not officially announced, the prize fund is expected to exceed 2024's record $9.5 million, with the winner potentially earning over $1.4 million.
Q. How do I get to Royal Porthcawl from major airports?
A. The nearest major airports are Bristol, Cardiff, and London Heathrow/Gatwick. Royal Porthcawl is 20 minutes from Bridgend and accessible via M4 motorway with dedicated championship transport services.
Q. Can I purchase tickets at the gate?
A. While gate sales may be available, advance booking is strongly recommended. Weekend rounds often sell out, and online purchases offer discounts and guaranteed entry.
Q. What happens if weather affects play?
A. Partial refunds only apply if the championship is officially cancelled or substantially delayed. Normal weather conditions do not qualify for refunds, so come prepared for all conditions.
Q. Which players should I follow for the best experience?
A. Check the official app for tee times and follow groups featuring major champions or local favorites. The grandstands at 1st tee and 18th green offer excellent viewing for seeing all players.
🎯 Championship Outlook
The 2025 AIG Women's Open promises to be a historic championship as Wales hosts this major for the first time. With rising star Lottie Woad leading the betting favorites alongside established champions like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, the stage is set for an exceptional week of championship golf.
Royal Porthcawl's stunning links layout, combined with the championship's record prize fund and enhanced global broadcasting, ensures this will be a must-watch event for golf fans worldwide. Don't miss the opportunity to witness history in the making as the world's best female golfers compete for major championship glory in Wales.
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