The game-changing $5 million USD prize funded Ladies European Tour (LET) event, the Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF, is underway – with Solheim Cup rivals Lexi Thompson and Charley Hull ready to battle at Riyadh Golf Club, 15-18 February.
The duo, who are both looking for their first win in Saudi Arabia, visited the spectacular King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) ahead of the tournament, showcasing the modern face of Riyadh’s ever-growing capital.
The tournament continues to set the standard in golf, with its impressive $5 million USD prize fund the only professional event to match the equivalent men’s event. Visiting KAFD, both Thompson and Hull spoke of their winning mindsets heading into the Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF.
American icon Lexi Thompson, looking to kickstart a big 2024 with a victory, shared her initial impressions of Riyadh, expressing her admiration for both the city and the golf course.
“It’s been beautiful so far,” Thompson remarked. “The golf course is in great shape for us, and the city is absolutely stunning. The architecture on the buildings is pretty amazing to see, so I’m happy to experience it for a few more days.”
Joining Thompson amongst the distinctive skyscrapers was World No. 8 Charley Hull, the English star in hot form looking to follow a strong 2023 with a tournament win. Hull finished in third place in the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Riyadh back in October 2023, and is hoping to use that experience to her advantage.
“It would be an amazing feeling to be able to play even better this time around,” she shared. “Just coming into the event, of course, I want to win, but to just go out there and play some solid golf. Hopefully, with all the practice and the work I’ve been putting in, I can go and smash it.”
With four intense days of competition set to unfold in the Saudi capital, all eyes are on the prestigious event, with past champions Georgia Hall and Emily Pedersen in the fiercely competitive field.
As the 120-player field familiarise themselves with the Riyadh Golf Club course, the elite of women’s golf are geared up to secure their share of the historic $5m USD prize fund.
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