Saudi Women's International Golf Championship: Record-breaking prizes in Riyadh
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is witnessing an exceptional global sporting event with the launch of the seventh edition of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at the Riyadh Golf Club. This event reaffirms the Kingdom's growing status as a leading destination for major sporting events, as the tournament kicks off the Ladies European Tour (LET) season, setting a benchmark for organizing world-class championships.
Vision 2030 and the empowerment of women in sports
This tournament is no longer just a fleeting sporting competition; it has transformed into a global platform that clearly reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030. This event represents a cornerstone of Golf Saudi's strategy, which aims to promote the game and increase participation, with a particular focus on empowering women. Hosting such tournaments contributes to changing the sporting landscape in the region and inspires a new generation of Saudi women to engage in professional sports, thus enhancing quality of life and supporting the sports economy.
Equal awards: a historic precedent
This year's edition is the largest in the history of the Ladies European Tour, boasting a prize purse of $5 million. This substantial sum is particularly significant as it achieves full prize parity with the men's PIF Saudi International, a pioneering step that has positioned Saudi golf at the forefront of the global scene in terms of closing the gender gap in the sport. Competing for this record-breaking prize money are 120 of the world's top-ranked players representing more than 30 countries, further enhancing the competitiveness and technical level of the tournament.
An exceptional experience at Riyadh Golf Club
The picture wouldn't be complete without praising the impressive organization and logistical arrangements at Riyadh Golf Club. The club boasts courses that challenge the players' skills and terrain that reflects the region's natural beauty. The organizing committee ensured a comprehensive experience for the fans, with the tournament characterized by the warm hospitality that reflects authentic Saudi culture. Dedicated areas were provided for fans and media, offering a diverse selection of food and entertainment, making following the competitions a fun and seamless family experience.
Global resonance and fierce competition
Among the names that stole the show was rising Australian star Kelsi Bennett, who expressed her amazement at her first visit to the Kingdom, affirming that being at the event was a dream come true. Bennett not only delivered a strong performance, scoring five under par in the early rounds, but also demonstrated sportsmanship by interacting with the crowd and gifting her golf ball to a young fan.
As for the competition, the battle for the top spot intensified as the tournament reached its halfway point, with England's Mimi Rhodes delivering an exceptional performance amidst fierce pursuit from players such as Cassandra Alexander and Chiu Zi Iwai, promising breathtaking finals that confirm Riyadh has become a true capital of world golf.
