Gold standard

The AIG Women’s Open has received the LPGA Gold Driver Award for 'Best Player Experience' for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its status as one of the most athlete-centred events in world golf.

The award, voted for by LPGA Tour players, recognises the Championship’s continued support for athlete performance through the delivery of a high-quality environment throughout the week.

Introduced in 2022, the AIG Women’s Open Clubhouse has become a central part of the player experience. The purpose-built space brings together preparation, recovery and personal support services in a single location.

Zoe Ridgway, AIG Women’s Open Championship Director at The R&A, said: “Retaining the Gold Driver Award is a real honour and all the more special because it is voted for by the players.

“Along with our partner AIG, our priority has always been to create an environment that supports these incredible athletes to perform to the best of their ability. We are proud of what the AIG Women’s Open now represents on and off the course as we continue to raise the bar for women’s golf globally.”

The Championship’s provision for athlete preparation and recovery has continued to develop through enhancements to the Wellness Lounge, training areas and medical facilities.

The Wellness Lounge offered a private, quiet environment for post-round decompression, supported by Ishga relaxation beds [above], mindfulness activities and sensory elements designed to aid recovery.

Updated training facilities include a purpose-built gym [below] staffed by a dedicated female strength and conditioning team, complimentary adidas gym kit, a sauna and cold-plunge pool.

The European Tour Performance Institute Health & Performance Truck provided additional physiotherapy and medical support on-site. Free skin screenings were available to players, caddies and staff with annual check records maintained to support early detection of potential concerns.

Player dining, which catered to athletes, caddies and two guests was available over 16 hours per day allowing for breakfast, lunch and dinner, to be enjoyed in the Clubhouse. Menus were designed to support both performance and recovery, with nutritional information provided in English, Japanese, Thai and Korean to meet the needs of an international field.

Other amenities provided in the Clubhouse this year included a concierge service to support day-to-day requirements of both the athletes and their families, a dry cleaning service, a dedicated crèche for players travelling with young children, a day spa facility with facial and nail services, a courtesy car service and a male caddie locker room.

The 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be played at Royal Lytham & St Annes from 29 July – 2 August.