When the AIG Women’s Open first launched 50 years ago, the field was made up of mostly amateurs and prize money – for the entire tournament – stood at just £500.
Step forward a half-century and the tournament is unrecognizable to the one Jenny Lee Smith won at Fulford Golf Club in 1976, having evolved into one of the biggest events in the golfing calendar.
Whereas the inaugural edition saw professionals Vivien Saunders and Gwen Brandom among those contributing their own money towards the prize fund, the tournament has since gone from strength to strength with enhanced infrastructure and purse increases.
A star-studded field returns to Royal Lytham & St Annes for the 50th edition this week, live from Thursday on Sky Sports, where the world's best will challenge for major glory and a record $1.5m (£1.25m) winner's share of a $10m (£7.5m) prize purse.
