The second Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by the Public Investment Fund kicks off today at the Royal Greens club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, with defending champion Emily Kristine Pedersen seeking to fend off a host of rivals on the Red Sea.
The tournament has one of the richest prizes on the Ladies European Tour (LET) schedule — a $1 million USD prize fund.
Saudi Arabia’s first ever professional golf tournament for women was held last year at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
Two-time major-winner Lydia Ko has been confirmed, as well as fellow major-winners Georgia Hall, Anna Nordqvist, and Laura Davies, according to reports.
Ko said she was pleased to be part of an event that helps empower women.
“I support what Golf Saudi are doing in growing women’s golf and showing women empowerment,” said Ko. “The whole world is moving in that direction which is great to see, and I enjoy being a part of that. I was delighted to hear that over 1000 girls had taken up the game following last year’s edition, so hopefully we’ll see them numbers increase after this week.”
Last year’s inaugural event was the first ever professional women’s golf tournament in Saudi Arabia. Pedersen sealed her victory in a playoff hole after trailing the then-leader Georgia Hall by three strokes.
“It feels great to be back. I have a lot of good memories from here and as I am walking the course, there is constantly shots and good shots that I remember from last season, so it is good to be back,” Pedersen said. “It is nice to stay at the same place for two weeks especially if you like the course. I really like it here and like the course.”
Last year, Pedersen said after her victory the country “has a bright future in golf and hopefully we’ll be back for many years.”
The tournament offers a singles event, which begins today, and a team event that begins November 10th.
