AIG Women's Open takes over Blackpool Tower as Championship arrival at Royal Lytham & St Annes one month away

The AIG Women’s Open has taken over Blackpool and St Annes to mark one month to go until its landmark 50th anniversary Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, which takes place from July 29 to August 2.

As part of the countdown, Blackpool Tower was illuminated last night and will be lit again this evening in the iconic AIG Women’s Open blue and white colours, creating a striking visual moment on the Fylde Coast to celebrate the championship.

The Championship has also taken over one of St Anne’s iconic beach huts for the next month, transforming it into an AIG Women’s Open installation and bringing the story of one of the major championships in women’s golf to the heart of the seaside town. In place for the entire month of July, the redesigned “Champions Hut” will bring the spirit of the AIG Women’s Open to the St Annes seafront. With families and beachgoers booked in able to enjoy the Championship themed hut.

First established in 1976 and now owned by The R&A, the AIG Women’s Open is one of five major championships in women’s golf. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Championship, with 144 of the world’s best players set to compete for the AIG Women’sOpen trophy at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The regional activations form part of a wider celebration of the Championship’s history, future and impact, as The R&A continues its commitment to growing women and girls’ golf through the Women in Golf Charter.

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A, said: “With one month to go, we wanted to bring the AIG Women’s Open into the heart of Blackpool and St Annes, creating a moment that local people, visitors and golf fans could see, share and be part of.

“The R&A is committed to taking the AIG Women’s Open to world-class venues, and Royal Lytham & St Annes has such a special place in the Championship’s history. Illuminating Blackpool Tower and taking over one of St. Anne’s iconic beach huts has been a brilliant way to celebrate this year’s venue and build excitement across the Fylde coast.

“The AIG Women’s Open is about showcasing the very best players in the game, but it is also about inspiring more women and girls to see golf as a sport for them.”

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture at Fylde Council, said: “The borough is proud to help mark 50 years of the AIG Women’s Open with a celebration in two of the town’s most recognisable locations.

“The illumination of Blackpool Tower and the St Annes beach hut takeover brought the Championship into the heart of the community and gave residents a brilliant reminder that a major sporting moment is coming to the Fylde Coast this summer.

“The R&A is adding something really special to the local area, not only through the Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, but through its wider work to encourage more women and girls into golf.”

Each year, 144 players compete for the Championship trophy, with the low amateur who completes all 72 holes awarded the Smyth Salver.

The AIG Women’s Open aims to champion the changing face of women’s golf, inspiring, engaging and challenging perceptions in order to help shape the future of the sport.

Following Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2026, future venues for the AIG Women’s Open include Royal St George’s in 2027 and Sunningdale in 2028.

Tickets for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open are on sale now, with adult tickets from £25, half-price youth tickets and U16s going free. Find out more here.