Staff WriterFor the first time in its history, the AIG Women’s Open will tee off at the hallowed turf of Royal St George’s in 2027—proof, perhaps, that even tradition occasionally gets a facelift.
From 28 July to 1 August, the grand old links of Kent will trade in its usual dose of stiff breezes, pot bunkers, and the occasional seagull heckle for something far more compelling: the world’s finest women golfers chasing glory on a course that has hosted 15 Opens, birthed champions like Vardon, Hagen, and most recently, Collin Morikawa. And now, finally, it’s the women’s turn to carve their names into Sandwich’s storied fairways.
“This isn’t just another venue,” said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A. “The AIG Women’s Open is a global sporting event and we are committed to giving the best players in the world the best stages on which to compete. Royal St George’s is one of the world’s great links courses and will provide a fantastic test for the players.
“We look forward to working with AIG to put on a wonderful championship for the fans on the south coast of England in two years’ time.”
Darbon’s right. If Royal St George’s were a whisky, it’d be single malt, aged in oak, and strong enough to put hair on your Titleist.
Founded in 1887 by a chap named Laidlaw Purves (a name that screams 19th-century gentleman-golfer), the course has seen its fair share of drama. It’s been home to The Open, the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup, The Amateur Championship, and The Women’s Amateur Championship. In short, this place has more pedigree than a Crufts finalist.
Now it’s time for the women to leave their mark.
Peter Zaffino, Chairman and CEO of AIG, was equally bullish about the announcement: “We are delighted that Royal St George’s will host the AIG Women’s Open for the very first time in 2027.
“Bringing the AIG Women’s Open to Royal St George’s reflects The R&A and AIG’s continued shared commitment to elevate women’s golf by holding the Championship at the world’s most iconic venues.
“This course is a historic venue which will showcase the expertise of the world’s best players and inspire spectators and supporters. All of our AIG colleagues around the world are proud to help raise the standard of professional women’s golf as we continue our journey as title sponsor.”
Zaffino’s not wrong. The AIG Women’s Open is no longer content to play second fiddle to its older, male-dominated cousin. It’s now a major with teeth, ambition, and a Rolodex full of golf’s elite.
By placing it on a course that has challenged legends, the 2027 championship promises not just spectacle, but symbolism: women’s golf staking its claim where it’s long deserved to be.
And if that wasn’t enough, the AIG Women’s Open will follow a stellar 2026 edition at Royal Lytham & St Annes, another course so rich in golf lore it practically bleeds hickory.
So, mark the date. July 2027. Royal St George’s. History isn’t just being made—it’s being given a proper linksland stage. And by the looks of it, the women are ready to put on a show the old guard won’t soon forget.
