The 20-year-old Russian, who has led since round three, rolled in back-to-back birdies on seven and eight before dropping a shot on the 11th hole.

Guseva then made an eagle on the par-five 13th before rolling in her final birdie of the week for a round of four-under and to win Lalla Aicha Q-School with a total of 23-under-par.

“It’s amazing! It’s crazy that I came here already with my LPGA Tour card and then just coming here and winning LET Q-School, it’s something I have always dreamed of,” she said.

“It’s amazing how people are welcoming here and how this place is amazing. It’s beautiful and I just want to thank everyone who organised this event and takes care of us.

“It means a lot and for women’s golf as well. I want to congratulate all the girls who secure their LET cards, it’s an exciting time for us and let’s rock it!

“I had so much fun. Playing with the LET and the weather was amazing. My team coach came here to support me and my caddie as well – we had a lot of fun this week!”

South Africa’s Cara Gorlei finished in second place on the leaderboard on 19-under-par after shooting a round of 71 (-2) which included five birdies and one bogey.

Thailand’s Aunchisa Utama finished in third place on 18-under-par having carded a round of 70 (-3) on the final day at Al Maaden.

One shot further back was Spain’s Luna Sobron Galmes after she fired a closing round of 67 (-6) in Morocco.

Sobron said: “Today, I’m happy with the round. I made a lot of putts and I did an eagle on hole number seven which was a good one. I’m happy with getting my LET status again, this year was a difficult year because I had an injury, so I’m happy.

“I had a protrusion in my back. This week was the first week that I was playing without medication so I’m very happy. Alvaro is really good at reading the greens, he gave me a lot of confidence and we had a lot of fun. We’re going to enjoy the holidays at home and work hard for next year.

“It’s great to see so many Spanish players in the top 20. Next year we are going to play together, and it will be like the Spanish teams when we were amateurs!”

Three players were tied for fifth place with France’s Agathe Laisne, English amateur Annabell Fuller and Mexico’s Fernanda Lira all on 16-under-par.

Spain’s Fatima Fernandez Cano and Singaporean amateur Shannon Tan were both one shot further back in a share of eighth place on 15-under-par.

Fernandez Cano fired a round of 67 (-6) on the final day to secure full LET status and she was pleased with her two weeks in Morocco.

The Spaniard said: “I’m feeling great. I came into this week with no expectations at all, it’s been a tough year because I had surgery a couple of months ago. I couldn’t practice much coming into these past couple of weeks.

“Last week I made it on the number and then this week, I’ve just had fun and played some good golf and here we are!”

Spain’s Teresa Toscano fired the round of the day with a 64 (-9) to soar up the leaderboard and secure LET status.

Toscano finished in a share of 10th place alongside England’s Bel Wardle, who ended her week with a round of 70 (-3), while Sloevnia’s Ana Belac was 12th on 13-under.

Three players finished in a tie for 13th position with Norway’s Dorthea Forbrigd, India’s Pranavi Urs and France’s Perrine Delacour all on 12-under-par.

Spanish duo Teresa Diez Moliner and Paz Marfa Sans ended the week in a share of 16th place on 11-under-par with Poland’s Dorota Zalewska and Sweden’s Ellinor Sudow.

South African amateur Danielle du Toit finished in a tie for 20th place alongside New Zealand’s Momoka Kobori and Korea’s Jung Min Hong.

Should they wish to accept and take up LET membership, a total of 22 players secured Category 12 membership for 2024 while 30 players clinched Category 16 membership.

Image: Ladies European Tour

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The total prize fund for the season will be €34 million, including a purse of $5 million at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF, which will be played at Riyadh Golf Club for the first time.

“The 2024 schedule will give our talented athletes a platform to show their best,” said LET CEO Alexandra Armas. “Our tournaments will showcase star-studded fields and entertainment in 20 different countries and there will be significant global opportunities for our players to transcend a traditional golf audience. It’s an exciting time, with Olympic golf coming to Europe and another thrilling Solheim Cup on the horizon. We look forward to sharing the journey with our fans worldwide.”

The season will once again kick off with the Magical Kenya Ladies Open in February, before travelling to Saudi Arabia and then visiting Morocco for the Lalla Meryem Cup.

In March, the LET travels to the United States for the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – USA. Later in March, the prestigious Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club will host the New South Wales Open for the first time, followed by the Australian Women’s Classic at Bonville Golf Resort as part of a fortnight down under.

In April, the Tour will travel to South Africa for the Joburg Ladies Open and the Investec South African Women’s Open, which will be played at a new venue, Erinvale Country and Golf Estate, in Cape Town.

In May, the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Seoul, will be played in the Republic of Korea, followed by the Amundi German Masters, the first tournament of the year in Europe.

The Jabra Ladies Open will once again be played at the renowned Evian Resort Golf Club in France.

In June, the LET will enjoy a fortnight in Sweden with the Dormy Open Helsingborg, being played at Allerum Golf Club for the second consecutive year and the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed, which will move to nearby Vasatorps Golf Club.

The LET will then play another soon-to-be announced event in Europe, followed by the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open, the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – London.

The Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in France, where countrywoman Céline Boutier raised her first major trophy in 2023, is back in July, followed by the Dutch Ladies Open, powered by Golf.NL.

LET athletes will have the opportunity to compete for their home countries at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games at Le Golf National in August via the Olympic Golf Rankings.

The Tour then continues to Scotland, the home of golf, for the Women’s Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open, to be played on the famed Old Course at St Andrews for the third time.

Next up, the O’Meara course at Carton House will be the new setting for the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.

Then, in September, a year on from the dramatic showdown between the United States and Europe in Spain, the Solheim Cup returns to the United States at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va, where Team Europe will attempt to keep the trophy in European hands for the fourth time in a row.

The LET then returns to Golf Barrière Deauville for the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, followed by the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Asia. After that, there is the Hero Women’s Indian Open and the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Riyadh.

The season concludes with a fortnight in Spain, starting at the Mallorca Ladies Golf Open before rounding out the year at the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España for the fifth year in a row.

In total, 25 events will be televised, either via highlights packages or with a full live world feed in 2024.

Main Image: Supplied

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The two-time Olympian had an impressive week where she improved round by round at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas.

After rounds of 69-68-68 on the first three days, Ashok carded an excellent bogey-free 66 on the final day to win with a total of 17-under-par.

“It started out slow, I was missing a lot of birdies for the first six to eight holes,” said Ashok. “I hit it close on seven, after that I felt like I still had a chance. Initially, it felt like I was two shots away the whole time. I’m glad it picked up on the back nine.

“It was a great battle. Anne [Van Dam], when she’s playing good, she can blow the field away and win by five to 10 shots. I knew I had to not stop making birdies and to keep trying.

“Her par when she hit the trees on 15 and my long putt, that switched the momentum a little bit. She is a great player and kept me honest out there.”

????? ??? ???? ?? ???????Í? ?@aditigolf wins the season ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España ?#RaiseOurGame | #OpenDeEspaña pic.twitter.com/xQdWAMeZqy

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) November 26, 2023

Ashok, who was in a tie for second place overnight, didn’t make her first birdie until the seventh but that kickstarted her momentum.

She added two more on the 10th and 13th but it was her three birdies on the trot on 15, 16 and 17 to seal her fifth LET title and her second of the season, after she also won the season-opening event in Kenya.

Ashok continued: “On the front nine I wasn’t hitting it as good, somewhere on the back on 13 when I hit that 8-iron close I feel I made a good swing and it just picked up from there. I made three or four good swings and all of those were in holeable range. I guess the 16th tee shot was the shot of the day.

“One 18, I have struggled with that tee shot and missed it right almost all four days. It was a weird lie in the rough, I didn’t know if it would go left on me, and it did. I was just trying to make sure I had a good look at par.”

Dutch star Anne Van Dam ended the week in second place on 15-under-par after a final round of 68 (-4).

Van Dam, who has won this tournament twice previously, went toe-to-toe with Ashok throughout the final round and had five birdies and one bogey on her scorecard.

“It was a tough day,” said the five-time LET winner. “I was in there all day and it was super close. Aditi just came out and played unbelievably and she definitely deserved to win this week.

“I’m very pleased with my season overall. I came close six times now, I just need to keep working hard and the wins are right around the corner.”

AVD applying the pressure with a stunning approach into the 18th ?#RaiseOurGame | #OpenDeEspaña pic.twitter.com/R0IlfLuRwu

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) November 26, 2023

Spain’s Ana Peláez Trivino ended the week in third place after a final round of 68 (-4) which included five birdies and one bogey.

“It was a special week,” said the Malaga native. “I felt like I was ready to compete this week with more passion and calmness than ever. I think I did a really good job on that. Also, a really good week to go into LPGA Q-Series next week. I’m happy overall.

“There were lots of positives, I was very consistent. I’m very thankful for the all the learning experiences that I have had and I’m looking forward to next season.“

Sweden’s Linn Grant and Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley finished in a tie for fourth place on 12-under-par in Spain with Belgium’s Manon De Roey in outright sixth.

Defending champion Caroline Hedwall, India’s Diksha Dagar, Norway’s Madelene Stavnar, France’s Celine Boutier and Spanish amateur Andrea Revuelta ended the week in a share of seventh place on 10-under-par.

In the 2023 Race to Costa del Sol, it was Trichat Cheenglab who came away with the trophy with a tally of 1,966.52 points ahead of Boutier and Dagar.

Cheenglab follows in the footsteps of compatriot Atthaya Thitikul and becomes the sixth player to win both the Race to Costa del Sol and Rookie of the Year titles in the same season.

For those who haven’t kept their cards this season it’s off to Q School in Morocco. Pre Qualifier of the Lalla Aicha Marrakech Q School is at Golf Club Rotana & Samanah Golf by Nicklaus & Noria Golf Club between the 10th – 12th December 2023. Followed by the Final Stage at Al Maaden Golf Marrakech & Royal Golf De Marrakech between the 16th – 20th December 2023.

Image: Ladies European Tour

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LPGA Tour Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan confirmed during her “State of the LPGA” press conference Thursday at the CME Group Tour Championship that the Ladies European Tour player body will vote next week on a proposal to merge the two tours that has already received unanimous approval from both the LPGA and LET boards.

The Nov. 21 vote will take place at an annual meeting of LET players ahead of their tour’s season finale, the Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open De España, with the LET board recommending to players that they vote in favor of the merger. The proposal requires a 60-percent approval of the LET membership to pass. If it does, Marcoux Samaan said there would be some final details to iron out, but LET players have been told the deal is expected to become official by the end of the year.

Under the initial three-year period of the merger, the two tours would continue much like they do today. The Ladies European Tour would retain its name and maintain its own tournament schedule independent of the LPGA Tour, with a handful of co-sanctioned events continuing to be operated during the year. The LET would maintain a headquarters in Europe.

However, the two would work jointly in oversight of the LET and in developing revenue opportunities that could be mutually beneficial to all. The LPGA intends to pursue enhanced commercial opportunities with existing and new tour sponsors.

Since Marcoux Samaan took over as LPGA commissioner in 2021, she has openly discussed the potential benefits of a merger as the next step between the LPGA and LET after they entered into a strategic alliance four years ago.

“I think we’ve been in this joint venture with the LET since 2019. That was obviously before my time, but the goal was to be able to work together to have a collaborative women’s golf ecosystem and to build women’s golf in Europe,” Marcoux Samaan said. “It’s been really successful.”

Marcoux Samaan did not reveal specifics of what a merger would entail, but the terms, which would be in place for the initial three years, were laid out in detail in a memo sent to LET players on Nov. 3 ahead of the vote, a copy of which was obtained by Golf Digest.

According to the memo, LET assets, including all intellectual property, would be put into the previously created Ladies European Golf Venture Limited (LEGV) created and operated by the LPGA since 2019. The LET, however, would keep its current cash. In turn, the LPGA would ensure that $1.25 million annually is available to the LET during the first three years of the partnership “for tournament prize funds, television, player support services and growth.”

The memo also states that the LET will target a minimum of 30 events annually, focused in Europe and supported by other events in the rest of the world, with a targeted minimum prize fund of €300,000 per event. The schedule would be developed by the LET CEO, subject to the approval of the LPGA commissioner.

In terms of administration, the LPGA Board would establish an LET Committee composed of four LET representatives and five LPGA representatives. There will be two LET player directors, two LET independent directors, two LPGA player directors, two LPGA independent directors, and the LPGA Commissioner. The LET Committee will “provide advice and guidance on the tour’s business, to provide recommendations regarding the operation of the tour (such recommendations will be given due consideration by the LPGA Board).”

After the initial three years, the memo notes that the LPGA “will have the freedom to determine its preferred governance structure in relation to the LET.” The memo states that the LPGA Board intends to diversify its board with representatives from Europe and “continue with the structure of the Players’ Council and the LET committee for as long as the LPGA deems them to be effective and appropriate to support the tour.”

As Golf Digest previously reported, the top four players on the LET Order of Merit at the end of the year who don’t already have status on the LPGA Tour would earn tour cards for the next season. The top 15 would also receive entry into LPGA Q Series, where they would have the opportunity to earn LPGA tour cards.

According to the memo to LET players, the current practices for “the management, qualification and selection of Team Europe” for the Solheim Cup would remain in place with the LET Committee having “oversight of the promoter and location section for European editions of the event. Net proceeds from when Europe hosts the Cup would be reinvested into the LET.

Under the strategic alliance between the LPGA and LET agreed to in 2019, the two tours have run the LET on a 50-50 basis through LEGV. During that time, the LET has experienced rapid growth. Marcoux Samaan recounted that the LET’s total purse in 2019 was £11 million, with less than 20 events. This year, they’re at more than £30 million with more than 30 events.

The successful alliance, however, does not guarantee that the vote of LET members will pass. If the LET did not approve the merger, and either came up with new terms or remained in the current strategic alliance, Marcoux Samaan would not speculate on what happens then.

“The expectation is we hope that they will. I think this makes sense for everybody,” Marcoux Samaan said. “If not, we’ll get back together with the LET board and figure out next steps. I think at this point we’re looking forward to getting that done and moving forward.”

Image: Ramsey Cardy

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The American had a record-setting first two rounds — setting the best course score, matching the lowest-ever round on the Ladies European Tour (61), and the consecutive-birdie run (eight), before smashing the LET 36-hole record by eight strokes with back-to-back 61s.

On Sunday, she kept Solheim Cup star and Riyadh Team Champion Ciganda at arm’s length to pick up her second professional victory, a cheque for $75,000, a whole lot of entries in the record books — and a real boost after losing out to Minjee Lee in a playoff in Korea last week.

A champion’s performance ? #SeeTheImpact pic.twitter.com/euvFgeN5WX

— Aramco Team Series (@Aramco_Series) October 29, 2023

Lee began the final round six strokes clear of Ciganda, and after an early charge from the Spaniard, who had that margin down to three at one point, Lee turned on the afterburners it was back at six by the turn.

A birdie on 11 for Lee, while Ciganda could only par, seemed to take the wind out of the Spaniard’s sails as the lead stretched out to seven strokes. With

Ciganda out of ideas and out of steam, Lee was allowed to canter home for an eight-stroke victory, with a 65 to go with her pair of 61s and a stunning 29-under total.

Sitting proudly beside the trophy, Lee expressed her delight and relief at her triumph.

“I’ve played some really good golf this week and putted even better,” she said, and even that was modest. “I hit almost every green, gave myself plenty of birdie opportunities, and made a lot of them count with aggressive, confident play. I had a lot of fun out there and I’m delighted with the win because any tournament is difficult to win — there are so many great players out there and all of them can produce great golf.

“Carlota’s a great competitor. She made a really great eagle and then a birdie to bring it to within three. I was well aware of the challenge, but like I say, I felt really confident with my own game. I made some birdies of my own early on and that set the tone for the rest of the day and helped me to get the job done.”

Lee’s efforts also saw her eclipse the 54-hole scoring record on the LET, and her 29-under equalled the best score as well, a mark that was previously set over 72-holes.

Lee also made 29 birdies at Aramco Team Series — Riyadh and all three of her scorecards were bogey-free. Her performance saw her add to her maiden tour win — the individual event at ATS Sotogrande in 2021 — and she was keen to praise those who made this week possible.

“Thank you Golf Saudi, Aramco, and the Public Investment Fund for staging this event. I love coming here and playing in these events,” she added. “I also want to thank Riyadh Golf Club. A lot had to be done to get the course ready and everyone involved did a tremendous job. I’ve been made to feel really welcome and I’d love to return and compete here again.”

Carlota Ciganda congratulates Alison Lee on her victory. ATS

As for Ciganda, the Spaniard’s final-round 67 took her to 21-under-par. Despite her runners-up spot, the world No. 33 nevertheless had a memorable weekend in Riyadh, where she captained her team to a three-stroke 43-under-par victory in the team event.

“If you’d told me at the beginning of the week that I’d finish on 21-under, I’d have taken that,” she said. “The conditions have been great here in Riyadh. There was no wind on the first two days but you still have to play well and score. It’s been an amazing weekend and I’m happy to finish second on the back of a great day yesterday.”

Commenting on Lee’s performance, she was full of praise for the American, adding: “When someone plays like that, you just have to say congratulations and well done. Alison has matched something that’s only ever been done over 72 holes on the LET before. She was amazing out there.”

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It was not for winning captain and Solheim Carlota Ciganda, but for the 17-year-old amateur who was playing alongside the Spanish skipper, Italian Alessandra Fanali and Czech Sara Kouskova.

Lujain Khalil was the local hero out here in Riyadh, playing on her home course and representing Saudi Arabia. The perma-smiling youngster gave her watching family and friends one more reason to cheer other than playing her part in the quartet that eased to a three-stroke victory on 34-under, she also sank the birdie putt on the par-3 17 that secured the final Team title of the Aramco Team Series 2023 season.

Lujain Khalil high-fives Sara Kouskova after the winning putt. Oisin Keniry/ATS

“It was incredible,” Lujain said afterwards, the giant trophy by her side. “After hole 17 Carlota asked me how I was feeling, and I said: ‘I don’t think there has ever been a word created that can describe this feeling.’ This is probably the biggest day of golf I have ever seen.

“Carlota is a powerhouse, and Alessandra and Sara have been incredible. Considering they are rookies, their game has just been incredible.”

Despite this famous victory and that putt that will live long in Lujain’s memory, she has huge ambitions for the future. The youngster was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and is determined to fly the flag for the Kingdom as she grows more into the game.

“This is exactly where I want to be,” she said. “I want to be as strong as Carlota and as accurate as these two girls, and this is just a priceless feeling.

“I represent the Kingdom internationally in all golf events. This is a dream I shared with my grandmother before she passed, and eventually you will see me at the Olympics representing the Kingdom in this sport. I have been playing golf for four years. I took it up in Covid, it was really coincidental, and I have never looked back. I love it, even on the bad days, I love the feeling of even crying because of a bad round as it adds up to a lovely long journey.”

Lujain Khalil alongside her captain Carlota Ciganda. Oisin Keniry/ATS

Ciganda was first to praise the young talent she played beside on Friday and Saturday.

“I think she played great,” she said. “To be playing only four years, I know this is her own course, but still … she hit some great shots, a really good putt on 14 and then that great birdie on 17 — wow, that is a feeling you are going to have when you win a tournament.

“The only advice I would have is to keep working hard. There are no secrets to success in golf, if you want to win you have to work hard. Enjoy yourself and have fun too, but work hard.

“I mean, I love her energy. She is very positive because she loves what she does and that is very important because there are going to be some tough days, lonely days. Golf can be hard, but on the good days it is all worth it.”

Lujain was also grateful for all the support she received from family and friends, not only this week but throughout the past four years — especially from father Omar.

“I want to thank him [Dad] in every language possible,” she said. “He and my family have always been there for me, but him specifically. He’s my coach, my trainer, my caddie, my dad — most importantly — and he has been there from day one. You don’t just wake up and happen to have a good swing or good scores. He has been there for me on the bad days when I am crying and on the good days when it feels like the whole world fits my happiness.

“I am forever grateful to him and so happy to be sharing this journey with him and my family.”

Dad Omar was on hand to lead the congratulations after Lujain’s win. Oisin Keniry/ATS

Dad Omar also took time to reflect on that journey, speaking to Golf Digest Middle East after watching Lujain’s triumph.

“It was — it is — a very tough journey,” he said with a laugh. “This is by far the toughest sport. I played tennis, I did a lot of watersports. Lujain is one of four daughters, and none of them picked up on tennis, and she picked up on golf during Covid. She hit her first shot and said: ‘Daddy, this is what I am going to do for life.’ I said: ‘Ok. If you want to do it for leisure it takes one beast, but if you are going to do it competitively, that takes a completely different animal. If you run at 5kph, I will run at 10.’ And she never slowed down.

“I had to get certified, and now I do her strength and conditioning, I do her nutrition and I do her swing coaching.”

The hard work is paying off, on and off the course as Lujain is beginning to inspire those even younger than her in and around her home Riyadh Golf Course.

“Lujain gets endless happiness when young girls approach her and ask her about the game and she loves sending that message to every single girl, whether it is out here in the Middle East: pursue your happiness, find your passion, work hard and nothing comes easy, you got to work hard for it,” Omar added, smiling as he seemed to recall all the hours and hours they have put in together. “People watch golf on the screen and think it is easy — just a club and a ball — but nobody really understands the amount of tedious work, day-in day-out, to get to the level to play 18 holes for three consecutive days and get the scores, it is brutal, just brutal. So find your passion and work hard.”

When asked if he will go easy on Lujain over the next few days following this latest success, Omar was laughing again: “I hope she goes easy on me! It is a work in progress, Lujain’s ambitions are way further than today. She wants majors … she is going all the way. She just loves this sport more than anything else on Earth. So I have got to keep up with her, not the other way around!”

Lujain Khalil celebrates with father Omar after the win. Oisin Keniry/ATS

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But Carlota Ciganda probably came as close as anyone could to nicking at least part of Lee’s spotlight show on Saturday.

The European Solheim Cup hero proved once again that she is a team player as she led her playing partners — Italian Alessandra Fanali, Czech Sara Kouskova and amateur player, representing Saudi Arabia, Lujain Khalil — to an emphatic 43-under-par triumph in the Team event at Riyadh Golf Club.

Upstaging Team Alison Lee (see?) and Team Trichat Cheenglab, Ciganda and Co won by three strokes, with the runners-up locked on 40-under.

The celebrating quartet met the media after their victory, where every player contributed vital shots over the two-day competition, including amateur Lujain ‘LJ’ Khalil, who sank the putt for birdie on the 17th that secured victory.

What a team ? #SeeTheImpact pic.twitter.com/L3xo4lL4PZ

— Aramco Team Series (@Aramco_Series) October 28, 2023

Commenting on the victory alongside teammates, world No.33 Ciganda said: “I’ve always said that I love playing this format. Every time you win as a team, it’s a different feeling because you’re playing for something more than just yourself.

“It’s amazing to be here today as team event winners and the girls alongside me played amazing. We had a lot of chances, we made so many birdies, and it was so much fun out there. We’ve really enjoyed playing this course ever since we arrived and we’ll enjoy this moment.”

Ciganda said, who won the Aramco Team Series — Florida Individual competition in May, added: “I think it’s been a great two days. The girls played amazing and we had a great amateur [Khalil]. She made the winning putt to help us go to 41-under. I think we had fun and we were a real team the last two days. I’m more happy for the girls than for me, I just love team events.”

Team Ciganda drew a blank on the first hole, but soon got into their stride, picking up two strokes on the second with birdies from Ciganda, Kouskova and the impressive Khalil, who is only 17 and plays off a handicap of seven.

It was all rattling the bottom of cups and high-fives from then on as Team Ciganda began reeling in the clubhouse leaders — Team Cheenglab and Team  Lee.

And still the Team Ciganda train kept rolling, with five more shots gained in five holes from the 10th before the skipper showed some magic, holing out from the bunker for eagle and they were one off the lead.

With holes and momentum on their side, they were level with the leaders by the time they reached 17, and Khalil stepped up to take them home with a brilliant putt before they cantered home — their 43-under a record 36-hole score in the ATS.

“It was so much fun,” Fanali said. “Credit to Carlota, she fought for the team and was so good. We had so much fun, especially at the end. On the last five holes there was a lot of good golf.”

Kouskova added: “It’s incredible. I’m having a hard time trying to soak it all in. Playing with a team like this, especially with Carlota leading, is essentially a dream come true. We had a blast and I think we were lost in the moment sinking birdies.”

Girl of the moment, Khalil, beaming the whole time, added: “It was incredible. After hole 17 Carlota asked me how I was feeling, and I said: ‘I don’t think there has ever been a word that can describe this feeling. This is probably the biggest day of golf I have ever seen.”

While the team event is over, another big day awaits Ciganda, who is still in the running for the individual prize. On 16-under-par, she is second in the individual standings, six back from Lee and one ahead of Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg in third. The Spaniard show some sensational play, allowing her to sign for an individual 63 and set up an enthralling final day.

Main image: Carlota Ciganda with Italian Alessandra Fanali, Czech Sara Kouskova and amateur player, representing Saudi Arabia, Lujain Khalil. LET

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Following a historic first round of records on Friday in Saudi Arabia for the American with her 61 at the Aramco Team Series finale, Lee was at it again on Saturday, posting another 61 to sit on a staggering 22-under and take a six-stroke lead into the final round.

In the process, she smashed the existing Ladies European Tour 36-hole record of 16-under by eight shots and is in prime position for her second professional individual title.

Try as they might, the rest of the pack were left trailing (and congratulating) Lee, with overnight challenger and namesake Minjee fading somewhat, adding a 70 to go with a first-round of 63.

Minjee now sits in a bunch on 11-under alongside World No. 1 Lilia Vu, with Spain’s Carlota Ciganda the closest contender to Alison on 16-under.

Carlota Ciganda. ATS

The Spaniard’s wonderful nine-under 63, means Alison cannot afford to be complacent on Sunday, especially if the Solheim Cup hero keeps playing like this.

When asked by Golf Digest about where Riyadh sits on her top courses list now after a brilliant 48 hours, Alison said with a laugh: “The wind wasn’t up today, and the soft greens also helped, so it was a fairly easy day like yesterday. Personally, I enjoy playing very difficult courses, especially for tournament rounds, because I field a little bit. When it is easy like this, it kind of becomes a putting competition. Thankfully, I am on the good side of that this week on this golf course. I am putting really well. Not only that, but I am leaving myself 15 feet and in on every hole.

“But at the end of the day, it’s about making my putts, and I was able to make a lot of them today. Overall, it is quite a short course. Every hole, I was looking at wedge or less in and on only two of the par-3s was I using an 8-iron in.

“Only on one hole did I need to lay up — my 13th hole I think — and I was like: ‘Oh, I haven’t seen this club in a while!’

“You got to play confidently and aggressively out there because there are so many birdies to be made.”

On a different level this week. @alisonlee shoots back-to-back 61s to set a new @LETgolf scoring record after 36 holes ? #SeeTheImpact pic.twitter.com/kfoIRTMuW9

— Aramco Team Series (@Aramco_Series) October 28, 2023

On the shortest holes, Lee made a stunning six birdies on eight par-3s over the first two days, and again Lee said that was down to the playing conditions.

“The lack of wind and the soft greens meant you didn’t need to try to take it up this hill or land in a specific spot, you can pretty much just go straight at the flag and hit your numbers.”

Should Lee repeat her magic on the course on the final day on Sunday, she admitted she would wish it was a 72-hole event so she could go for even more records. She equalled the best round (61) on the LET on both days so far, has the Riyadh course record (x2) and also matched the LET record of eight birdies in a row on Day 1.

“Yeah, absolutely,” she laughed. “We will see what happens tomorrow. A lot depends on the weather. I feel really confident about my game right now. I didn’t expect another 61 today, but I did expect another low one. Hopefully I can break it [61] tomorrow, I still have one more day!”

Alison and her playing partners came so close to celebrating the two-day Team crown with a collective score of 40-under and the joint clubhouse lead alongside Team Cheenglab.

But Ciganda’s quartet had other ideas and roared through the back nine to overhaul Lee, Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux, Gaurika Bishnoi of India and impressive American amateur Chris Thomas.

The winning moment ?

What a performance from the whole team ?#SeeTheImpact pic.twitter.com/83X88US434

— Aramco Team Series (@Aramco_Series) October 28, 2023

Ciganda, Alessandra Fanali, Sara Kouoskova and amateur Saudi Arabia prospect Lujain ‘LJ’ Khalil made the final push to get ahead of Team Lee and Team Cheenglab.

LJ holed out the key putt for two on the par-3 17th to get Team Ciganda to 41-under — a moment she will treasure forever. Kouskova followed the amateur in for birdie to take them to 42-under, with Team Bronte Law, the only quartet on course who could catch them, settling for 39-under and fourth place.

As the sun set on the final group, it was skipper Ciganda who had the final say, narrowly missing eagle, but claiming the birdie to take the team to 43-under and trigger a sea of high-fives.

“I love the team events, where you are all pulling for each other. I am happier for the team than myself, especially LJ, who holed that winning putt,” said Ciganda. “We all contributed and it was a great team effort.”

Finali added: “We really had a lot of fun out there, especially the last four or five holes, where we all came together.”

Now Ciganda and Lee turn their attention to Sunday and take aim at a sensational finale to round out the ATS season.

Main image: ATS

The post Alison Lee continues to steamroll the Riyadh course in Aramco Team Series finale appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

It could have been even better for Alison as she went on another record-equalling eight-birdie streak from holes 15 to four (she started on 10) and was on for a 59, but had to ‘settle’ for three pars and a birdie for a course record and a bogey-free card.

Minjee was hot on her heels on the closing stretch but a bogey on 17 halted her own charge and she sits on nine-under.

Minjee Lee. LET/ATS

Behind that duo is a bunch on seven-under, including Czech Jana Melichova, Italy’s Virginia Elena Carta, Dane Nicole Broch Estrup, Kylie Henry of Scotland, Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg, Wales’ Chloe Williams, last year’s runner-up Charley Hull of England and Spain’s Solheim Cup hero Carlota Ciganda.

It was not the best day for Chiara Noja, who defeated Hull in a playoff in Jeddah 12 months ago to lift the ATS title and her maiden crown at the age of 16. The Dubai-based German was faced with a tie for last spot until she conjured up some magic for eagle on 18 to sign for a three-over 75.

There were a lot of red numbers out there on Friday, with 62 out of 84 of the professionals scoring par or better.

In the team event, Team Ciganda lead the way at the halfway stage alongside Bronte Law’s quartet on an impressive 21-under, two strokes ahead of another logjam — Team Lisa Pettersson, Team Minjee Lee, Team Diksha Dagar, Team Anne van Dam and Team Nicole Broch Estrup.

How things stand after a breathless Day One ?‍?? #SeeTheImpact pic.twitter.com/Sfc60Dgfdu

— Aramco Team Series (@Aramco_Series) October 27, 2023

On her day of records, Alison, winner of the Aramco Team Series — Sotogrande Individual title in 2021, told the Ladies European Tour: “I honestly had no idea! Today was just one of those days that golf just felt really easy, like a dream round. I wish every day felt like this. I was telling my caddie: ‘Gosh golf is so easy.’ Obviously I don’t say that every day but it was one of those days.

“I just felt so confident out there. I was able to read the greens really well, pick a good target on my approach shot, I was able to hit my targets.

“Coming down the stretch I started to realise I’m on 59 watch here. But I missed a couple of good birdie chances coming down the stretch. Not too disappointed I had a great round today, overall I played really solid.

“I’m feeling really good about my game. We still have two days left but I feel like it’s a really nice golf course, it’s a fairly easy golf course, pretty easy to attack pins and make a lot of birdies.”

Minjee added: “I played really really solid. I made a ton of birdies and had four birdies in a row so that was really nice. I’ve been hitting it really solid and come into this week with a lot of confidence from last week. I had another really great day.

“I played one round with Alison last week and then obviously beat her in a playoff. She’s got such great talent and I’ve actually known her for quite a while. We rookied together [on the LPGA] in the same year. We’ve both been on Tour nine years and it’s always nice to have great competition. That’s what we play for.”

Over on the team side of things, Ciganda told the LET: “It’s been a fun day. We made a lot of birdies between the three of us. It was great fun to watch the great shots that they hit. As everyone knows, I love team events and yeah hopefully we can have a good day tomorrow and win this thing.”

Main image: Alison Lee. LET

The post Lees are lauded as Alison leads Minjee on record opening day at Aramco Team Series — Riyadh appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Decades past have seen relatives shine in their mutual sports, harnessing talent, fulfilling potential, firmly establishing themselves as household names forever engrained in the nation’s sporting folklore.

The Ella brothers, Mark and Glen, made a significant impact on the rugby union scene in the 1980s. They represented the Wallabies for years, with younger sibling Gary following their footsteps soon after. In the 1990s, the Waugh twins, Mark and Steve, excelled in first-class cricket, becoming key members of the 1999 Cricket World Cup-winning side.

The Rio 2016 Summer Olympics were also a scene of special significance. Seven sets of Australian siblings competed on the grandest stage in Brazil, where the Campbell combination of Cate and Bronte won gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Other notable families include the Abletts in Aussie Rules, the Konrads in swimming, and the Reddys in rugby league. All made their mark in Australia’s history books.

Right now in the present, another family is honouring this proud and enduring sporting tradition synonymous with Down Under: Minjee Lee and her brother, Min Woo. Hailing from Perth, both are professional golfers. The two are flourishing on their respective tours, flying the flag for family and country.

In fact, few stories in the world of golf are as inspiring and fascinating as theirs. Best friends with an unbreakable bond, Minjee credits a large portion of her success to her brother — who secured his third professional win just a fortnight ago, adding the Macao Open to his two European Tour titles.

Min Woo Lee. Asian Tour

Minjee, the women’s world No. 4 and two-time major champion, elaborated on their relationship at the Aramco Team Series — Riyadh.

“Whenever I see him, I feel like it’s a little bit more motivation for me to step up my game and perform as best as I can,” Minjee said.

“I think Min Woo has a bit more of a rivalry with me than I do him, but I’ll always be his biggest supporter and I know he’s mine as well. It’s always nice to see your family do well.

“I’m grateful that we’re both living our dream and playing the sport we love professionally all around the world. Things are great for both of us right now and we’re very happy with how our careers are continuing to develop.”

Minjee ensured that October 2023 will never be forgotten in the Lee family. Exactly one week after Min Woo won the Asian Tour event in China, she secured victory at the prestigious BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea.

She showed outstanding determination to overcome America’s Alison Lee in a play-off, sinking a birdie putt on the first extra hole for a second win in consecutive months. Weeks earlier in September, she won the Kroger Queen City Championship in Ohio.

Her recent run of form means she takes to the greens and fairways at Riyadh Golf Club as a favourite for the event’s individual competition, as well as a source of hope and inspiration for her teammates in the team format.

“I’m feeling good with my game and I’ve come to Riyadh high in confidence,” she added.

Main image: ATS/LET

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