Ladies European Tour Announces Record Prize Fund for 2026 Season
The Ladies European Tour (LET) is set to feature a record-breaking prize fund exceeding €40 million (£34.5m) in 2026, marking a major milestone for women’s professional golf and highlighting the continued growth of the sport globally. This represents the largest purse in the LET’s history, underlining the commitment from sponsors, event partners, and stakeholders to elevate women’s golf on an international scale.
For the upcoming season, one-third of the 30 tournaments scheduled on the LET calendar will feature prize pots of at least €1 million, providing players with enhanced financial incentives and opportunities to compete at the highest level. This includes the five PIF Global Series events as well as several other marquee tournaments such as The Amundi Evian Championship, the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, the AIG Women’s Open, the La Sella Open, and the Wistron Ladies Open.
The increased prize money reflects the tour’s ongoing strategy to expand its global reach and provide women golfers with greater recognition and rewards for their achievements. The LET has seen significant growth over recent years, both in terms of player participation and audience engagement, and the 2026 schedule demonstrates a continued commitment to this trajectory.
Statement from the LET Board
Marta Figueras-Dotti, chair of the LET board, expressed gratitude towards the tour’s sponsors, partners, and event promoters for their “continued support and backing as we grow the women’s game across the world.” She emphasized that the 2026 season is poised to be “an exciting and competitive campaign” for both established stars and emerging talent.
Figueras-Dotti noted that the record prize fund was not only a reflection of financial growth but also of the increasing global recognition of women’s golf. “We are delighted to offer our players the opportunity to compete for substantial purses,” she said. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to professional women golfers and highlights the importance of parity in sports.”
Tournament Highlights
The 48th LET season will kick off with the 2026 PIF Saudi Ladies International, scheduled from 11-14 February at Riyadh Golf Club. This event, part of the PIF Global Series, represents one of the key pillars of the tour’s international expansion, bringing together top golfers from across the world to compete in the Middle East.
In addition to the Saudi Ladies International, other prominent tournaments with substantial prize funds include:
- The Amundi Evian Championship – one of the major championships on the women’s golf calendar, attracting the world’s elite players.
- ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open – a historic event providing crucial preparation ahead of major championships.
- AIG Women’s Open – another major, offering prestige and significant prize money to its competitors.
- La Sella Open – part of the expanding tour in continental Europe, providing competitive opportunities for both European and international players.
- Wistron Ladies Open – a recent addition to the tour, reflecting LET’s commitment to emerging markets and new venues.
These tournaments will not only enhance the competitiveness of the tour but also give players opportunities to build rankings, gain international exposure, and maximize earnings in line with their performance.
Growth and Development of Women’s Golf
The record prize fund and expanded schedule underline LET’s dedication to fostering the growth of women’s professional golf worldwide. Over recent years, the tour has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity, elevating tournament standards, and increasing global viewership through broadcast and digital platforms.
The investment in prize money and high-profile tournaments is expected to attract not only top-tier talent but also emerging players seeking a platform to showcase their skills. By providing lucrative opportunities and world-class competitive environments, the LET continues to enhance the professional landscape for female golfers and encourages greater participation across the sport.
The increased purses also serve as a response to the growing commercial interest in women’s golf, with sponsors recognizing the sport’s potential to engage audiences worldwide. Partnerships with global corporations, event promoters, and local authorities have been critical in supporting this growth, enabling the LET to deliver a world-class tour experience for players and fans alike.
International Expansion and Global Influence
The inclusion of PIF Global Series events and other international tournaments highlights the LET’s strategy to strengthen its global presence. By expanding the tour into regions such as the Middle East and Europe, LET aims to create a more inclusive and internationally recognized platform for women’s golf.
This international expansion aligns with the broader objectives of professional sports, which increasingly seek to connect diverse audiences and create global sporting spectacles. Events like the PIF Saudi Ladies International not only provide competitive platforms for athletes but also promote golf as a sport accessible to all, fostering participation and interest at grassroots and professional levels.
Looking Ahead
As the LET prepares for the 2026 season, the record prize fund serves as both an incentive and a statement of intent. Players can anticipate a highly competitive season with substantial rewards for excellence, while fans can look forward to watching world-class golf across a variety of challenging venues.
The tour’s continued growth reflects its successful collaboration with sponsors, partners, and event organizers, and the upcoming season promises to further solidify LET’s position as a premier women’s golf tour globally. With tournaments offering €1 million-plus prize funds, players’ achievements on the course are increasingly being matched with financial recognition, ensuring that women’s golf continues to thrive in both competitive and commercial terms.
