What Is 2020 AIG Women's Open

Overview

The 2020 AIG Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 45th edition of the tournament and the fifth designated major of the LPGA season. Held at the storied Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland, it was notable for both its challenging conditions and an unexpected champion.

Originally scheduled for July, the tournament was postponed due to the global pandemic and became the first major of the rescheduled LPGA season. Despite no spectators and strict health protocols, the event delivered dramatic golf and a breakthrough performance that captivated fans worldwide.

• August 20–23, 2020: The tournament was held over four days in late summer, a shift from its traditional July date due to the pandemic.
• Royal Troon Golf Club: A historic links course in Scotland, hosting the Women's Open for the first time since 2002.
• Sophia Popov: A German golfer ranked 309th in the world, she entered with no prior LPGA wins and odds of 125-to-1.
• 11-under-par 277: Popov’s winning score, two strokes ahead of runner-up Nelly Korda.
• $750,000: The winner’s share of the $5.1 million total purse, the largest in women’s golf at the time.

How It Works

The AIG Women's Open operates under standard major championship rules, with 156 players competing over four rounds of stroke play. Only the top 70 and ties advance after the 36-hole cut, ensuring a competitive weekend.

• Qualification: Players gain entry through world rankings, past wins, regional qualifiers, and sponsor exemptions, with over 30 nations represented.
• Course setup: Royal Troon measured 6,396 yards in 2020, playing as a par-71 with narrow fairways and deep bunkers.
• Weather impact: Wind and rain affected scoring, particularly on Saturday, when Popov shot a crucial 67.
• Scoring format: 72 holes of stroke play; ties after 72 holes are broken by sudden-death playoff, though none occurred in 2020.
• Television coverage: Broadcast globally by Sky Sports and Golf Channel, reaching over 140 countries despite no live audience.
• Sponsorship: AIG, the title sponsor since 2019, committed $50 million over five years to boost prize funds and promote gender equity.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2020 AIG Women's Open compares to other major championships in women’s golf:

The 2020 AIG Women's Open stood out for its elevated purse and global attention, especially given the pandemic context. While other majors were delayed or canceled, this event successfully adapted, setting a benchmark for future tournaments in terms of safety and broadcast innovation.

Why It Matters

The 2020 AIG Women's Open had far-reaching implications for women's sports, highlighting resilience, equity, and the power of underdog stories. It proved that major events could be held safely during a global crisis and inspired a new generation of golfers.

• Historic win: Sophia Popov became the first woman outside the top 300 in the world rankings to win a major since 2003.
• Increased visibility: The tournament reached record digital viewership, with over 20 million online impressions across platforms.
• Prize equity: The $5.1 million purse signaled a shift toward closing the gender gap in golf earnings.
• Pandemic precedent: The event served as a model for organizing elite sports under health restrictions.
• Global representation: Players from 28 countries competed, showcasing the sport’s international growth.
• Sponsorship impact: AIG’s investment helped fund junior programs and diversity initiatives in women’s golf.

The 2020 AIG Women's Open wasn’t just a golf tournament—it was a cultural moment that redefined what’s possible in women’s sports.