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	<title>Golf Saudi Archives - Golf Digest Middle East</title>
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		<title>Hat-trick hero Denwit Boriboonsub captures Saudi Open</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/hat-trick-hero-denwit-boriboonsub-captures-saudi-open/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:18:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asian Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=73701</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The 19-year-old won the Thailand Open on the All Thailand Golf Tour last week and the Aramco Invitational on the Asian Development Tour the week before</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/hat-trick-hero-denwit-boriboonsub-captures-saudi-open/">Hat-trick hero Denwit Boriboonsub captures Saudi Open</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri"><strong>Denwit Boriboonsub</strong> completed a rare hat-trick of titles today when he recorded a three-shot win in the US$1million Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund today at Riyadh Golf Club.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">The 19-year-old Thai, who won the Thailand Open on the All Thailand Golf Tour last week and the Aramco Invitational on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) the week before, shot a final round seven-under-par 64 for a four-round-aggregate of 18-under 266.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">Sweden’s <strong>Henrik Stenson</strong> raced through with a 65 to secure second place while <strong>Travis Smyth</strong> from Australia was third after a 67 – in an event that brought to a conclusion the Asian Tour’s 23-event, US$35 million season.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri"><strong>Phachara Khongwatmai</strong> from Thailand, the overnight leader, signed off with a 70 and tied for fourth, five behind the champion, with his nation’s brilliant young amateur <strong>Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwant</strong>, in with a 66, and Japan’s <strong>Jinichiro Kozuma</strong>, who closed with a 67.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">Denwit also has the distinction of becoming the first player to win the final events of the year on both the Asian Tour and ADT, as the Aramco Invitational was also the season-ender.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">“It is an unbelievable feeling because it is incredible winning three weeks in a row. It is like magic!” said the Thai youngster who won US$180,000 and leapt into 21st place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit from 133rd.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">“I was really confident before coming to this week because I just know my game. I hit my drives good, my irons and putting were also good, so my goal this week was to win. Fortunately, I made it.”</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">This is only Denwit&#8217;s 15th start on the Asian Tour, and he mirrors the performance of American Henson back in 2011 by winning on the Asian Tour a fortnight after claiming an ADT event.  </span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">Three weeks ago, on the eve of the Aramco Invitational, he was 30th on the ADT Merit list and facing an uncertain future before a life-changing month of golf.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">He said: “[At Aramco] I told my caddie that there is nothing to lose now. If we didn’t make this tournament we had to go to Q School but I just tried to play my best and hopefully just make top three but luckily I won it.”</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">2016 Open champion Stenson, playing in the third from last group out, made a valiant late run making four consecutive birdies from the 12th and another on 17 but he ran out of holes.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">He said: “It&#8217;s been a good week here in Riyadh. It&#8217;s been my first trip to the capital, it&#8217;s been nice to see something else than Jeddah as well in that sense, where we played a lot of golf both the Saudi International and the LIV tournaments. So nice visit, a lot of friendly people. I came in with two months off, so it was a good opportunity for me to kind of see where we&#8217;re at and what needs to be worked more on when we start preparing for next year in the middle of January.”</span></p>
<p lang="x-size-14"><strong>Joshua Grenville-Wood</strong> from the UAE finished in a tie for 12th at 10-under 274.</p>
<p class="p2">Golf Saudi CEO <strong>Noah Alireza</strong> said: “Congratulations to Denwit Boriboonsub for his display on the golf course, he is a deserving winner of the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund following an exciting four days at Riyadh Golf Club.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“It was particularly pleasing to see a young golfer win this event. We are committed to growing the game of golf both in the Kingdom and in the Gulf region, and Denwit’s victory in an Asian Tour event at 19-years-old will prove an inspiration to many youngsters.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“I am also delighted to see three of the golfers invited by the Arab Golf Federation, who we partnered with for this tournament, compete over the weekend. Congratulations to Othman Raouzi, Soufiane Dahmane and Saleh Alkaabi for their performances.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“This is the first time that the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund has been an Asian Tour event and the quality of the golf was exceptional. I look forward to welcoming the players, officials and fans back to the next edition in 2024.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">The battle on the bubble to finish in the top-65 and secure Asian Tour cards for 2024 as expected saw a close finish with those playing this week.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">Kozuma made the biggest move from 76th to 53rd after his fine finish, <strong>Björn Hellgren</strong> from Sweden also made it through to next year after tying for 18th to go from 60th to 57th.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">Koreans <strong>Yongjun Bae</strong> and <strong>Yeongsu Kim</strong> also managed to stay on the right side of the top-65 cut-off mark, moving from 63rd to 59th and 62nd to 61st respectively.</span></p>
<p class="size-14" lang="x-size-14"><span class="font-calibri">South African <strong>Jbe Kruger</strong> who was in the 65th and final spot coming into the week moved up to 63rd after a tense weekend that saw him end in a tie for 18th.</span></p>
<p lang="x-size-14"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Image: Paul Lakatos / Asian Tour</em></span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/hat-trick-hero-denwit-boriboonsub-captures-saudi-open/">Hat-trick hero Denwit Boriboonsub captures Saudi Open</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Kipp Popert “Breaking The Impossible”</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/kipp-popert-breaking-the-impossible/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Dec 2023 07:09:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kipp Popert]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=73661</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Englishman, who is the No1 ranked golfer with a disability, is competing at the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/kipp-popert-breaking-the-impossible/">Kipp Popert “Breaking The Impossible”</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p2">Golf Saudi Ambassador <strong>Kipp Popert</strong> is already ‘Breaking The Impossible’ just by taking part at the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund, and the world’s No 1 ranked golfer with a disability enjoyed his first opportunity to compete in an Asian Tour event.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Englishman Popert teed off on Thursday morning at Riyadh Golf Club in a field containing LIV Golf stars <strong>Henrik Stenson</strong> and <strong>Kevin Na</strong>, as well as a number of Asian Tour stars.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">The Englishman suffers from cerebral palsy and has undergone 10 operations during his lifetime, but he has not let that stop him from chasing his dreams. Now, with the support of Golf Saudi, Popert is enjoying the opportunity to compete in his first professional main tour event.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Popert said: “Having the support of Golf Saudi allows me to play the sport I’ve dreamt of playing as a kid. I have practiced for years and years to have this opportunity, to play in my first main tour pro event, it’s exciting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“It doesn’t matter what event I am playing, the golf ball doesn’t move and I am still playing the same shots. I want to play the biggest events I can and compete against strong fields and test myself. I love challenges, I love feeling uncomfortable and this is why I’m here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“I played very solid. I did what I wanted to do, which was to stay composed. I hit it well and if you play golf long enough you have days where you don’t feel too happy. I know I’m going to have a lot of good days to come.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Popert is a determined character and knows that his presence in the field in the Kingdom this week will inspire people with a disability across the world to pick up a golf club and play the game. He has been backed throughout his career by his family and encouraged all children with disabilities to never limit their expectations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Popert added: “If I spent my whole life limiting myself to what other people’s expectations are of me, I wouldn’t be here. I’m extremely fortunate to have the family I have, they never bubble wrapped me and always pushed me. If you have your sights set on something, then just do it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“My grandad always used to say: ‘press on’. Any challenges you have or setbacks, just press on. I took on that mantra. It’s a very simple mantra and that’s what I’ll do this week: hit a shot and press on. That is how I live my life and I am absolutely honoured to be here.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Popert was aiming to enjoy himself this week, no matter the outcome, and knows it is a great opportunity to talk to experienced professionals and to try and make improvements to his game.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">He said: “I haven’t played in many Asian Tour events or know the guys too well, but I have spoken to Henrik to try to and pick his thoughts as much as I can. Whatever this week threw at me, I wanted to play some solid golf, shoot some OK scores and it’d be a nice present to enjoy myself. In my life, I’ve always had challenges and I’ve always pushed myself to be uncomfortable. That is what I want to do. I want to be given the toughest challenge and see if I can rise to it.”</p>
<p><em><span style="color: #999999;">Image: Golf Saudi</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/kipp-popert-breaking-the-impossible/">Kipp Popert “Breaking The Impossible”</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Pan Arab Junior and Ladies Championship, successful growth of golf in the Arab region</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/pan-arab-junior-and-ladies-championship-successful-growth-of-golf-in-the-arab-region/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry Grimshaw]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:18:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arab Golf Federation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riyadh Golf Club]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=73400</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Over 100 competitors from 12 countries took part across five categories at Riyadh Golf Club</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/pan-arab-junior-and-ladies-championship-successful-growth-of-golf-in-the-arab-region/">Pan Arab Junior and Ladies Championship, successful growth of golf in the Arab region</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the three days of competition at Riyadh Golf Club came to a close, the conclusion in the Ladies and Junior Pan Arab Championships furthermore shone a light on golf in the Arab region.</p>
<p>Over 100 competitors from 12 countries took part across five categories; Under 15 Girls, Ladies, Under 13 Boys, Under 15 Boys and Under 18 Boys.</p>
<p>Golfers from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia and the UAE all joined the hosts Saudi Arabia, in an event which marked a significant moment in the global golfing calendar as it furthermore showcased the expanding talent there is in golf across the Arab world.</p>
<p><strong>Division Winners:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Under 13 Boys</strong>: Egypt – Abdelrahman Aldefrawy</p>
<p><strong>Under 13 Boys Teams</strong>: Egypt – Adam Aboshabana, Abdelrahman Aldefrawy, Adib Shabana</p>
<p><strong>Under 15 Girls</strong>: Morocco – Noha Ghadi</p>
<p><strong>Under 15 Girls Teams</strong>: UAE – Sara Abubaker, Maya Gaudin, Aasiya Saleem</p>
<p><strong>Under 15 Boys</strong>: Tunisia – Mehdi Ben Youssef</p>
<p><strong>Under 15 Boys Teams</strong>: Tunisia &#8211; Mehdi Ben Youssef, Selim Haouala, Ghaith Rhimi</p>
<p><strong>Under 18 Boys</strong>: Morocco – Kamil Bensouda</p>
<p><strong>Under 18 Boys Teams</strong>: Morocco &#8211; Kamil Bensouda, Aberrahmane Fakori, Sinan Melhi</p>
<p><strong>Ladies</strong>: Morocco – Sofia Essakali</p>
<p><strong>Ladies Teams</strong>: Morocco – Sonia Bayahya, Malak Bouraeda, Sofia Essakali</p>
<p>Thanks must go to Riyadh Golf Club and the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) for hosting this prestigious event under the umbrella of the Arab Golf Federation (AGF). It is the SGF’s commitment to promote golf in the region and it was clear to see that with the Pan Arab Championship, it has highlighted the emerging talent there is within golf from various Arab nations.</p>
<p>The achievements in each category reflects the high level of competition and the promising future of these Arab golfers.</p>
<p><em><span style="color: #999999;">Images: Golf Saudi</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/pan-arab-junior-and-ladies-championship-successful-growth-of-golf-in-the-arab-region/">Pan Arab Junior and Ladies Championship, successful growth of golf in the Arab region</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Team Egypt win Pan Arab Junior Boys 13 &#038; Under Division</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/team-egypt-win-pan-arab-junior-boys-13-under-division/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry Grimshaw]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:34:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pan Arab Championships]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=73282</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>UAE Junior Girls 15 &#038; Under team still lead, while the UAE Junior Boys 18 &#038; Under are second in their division</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/team-egypt-win-pan-arab-junior-boys-13-under-division/">Team Egypt win Pan Arab Junior Boys 13 &#038; Under Division</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Team Egypt Junior Boys 13 and Under have won their division in the Pan Arab Championship at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>The Egyptians ran away with the 36-hole tournament, in a format where the two best stroke play scores from each team are combined at the end of each day. They matched their opening days combined round of 155 with the same on Thursday for a tournament total of 310.</p>
<p>Second place in the Division went to Tunisia followed by Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and finally Libya.</p>
<p>In the events other divisions, which have the final round today, the UAE Junior Girls 15 &amp; Under are still leading their group with <strong>Maya Gaudin</strong>, <strong>Sara Ali</strong>, and <strong>Aasiya Saleem</strong> having set a very high bar with a fantastic combined team score of one over par.</p>
<p>Tunisia are in second spot followed by Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>Morocco have overtaken the UAE in the Ladies Division after their best two combined second rounds of 67 and 72 to sit at five under par.</p>
<p>In third is Lebanon with Tunisia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia finishing out the six teams competing.</p>
<p>The Junior Boys 15 &amp; Under Division is being led by Tunisia with Egypt and Saudi Arabia completing the top three as we head into the final day.</p>
<p>While in the Junior Boys 18 &amp; Under the Moroccan Team are running away with their division after a stunning tournament score of ten under par with just 18 holes remaining.</p>
<p>The UAE Team of <strong>Mohammad Skaik</strong>, <strong>Rashed Al Jassemy</strong>, and <strong>Rayan Ahmed</strong> are in second spot with Egypt currently in third.</p>
<p>These exceptional achievements not only highlight the individual talents of these Pan Arab champions but also underscore the growing standard and competitiveness in the championship.</p>
<p><em><span style="color: #999999;">Main Image: Egyptian Golf Federation</span></em></p>
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		<title>UAE Ladies make biggest stride after day one in Pan Arab Championship</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/uae-ladies-make-biggest-stride-after-day-one-in-pan-arab-championship/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry Grimshaw]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:37:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Gulf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riyadh Golf Club]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=73250</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Ladies Division and the Junior Girls 15 &#038; Under Division lead by the UAE at Riyadh Golf Club</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/uae-ladies-make-biggest-stride-after-day-one-in-pan-arab-championship/">UAE Ladies make biggest stride after day one in Pan Arab Championship</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">After the opening days play in the Pan Arab Championship in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates Ladies have made the strongest start in the event as they lead in both the Ladies Division and the Junior Girls 15 &amp; Under Division.</p>
<p class="p1">In the Ladies Division, just three shots back, from the UAE team consisting of Intissar Rich, Alia Alemadi, and Jamie Camero, are Morocco in second spot. They are followed by Lebanon in third, while Tunisia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia round off the top five.</p>
<p class="p1">In the Junior Girls 15 &amp; Under, again led by the UAE with Maya Gaudin, Sara Ali, and Aasiya Saleem representing the team. Tunisia are in second, followed by Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p class="p1">In the Boys Divisions there are three categories being competed for. The Junior Boys 18 &amp; Under which is led by Morocco after the first day&#8217;s play at Riyadh Golf Club. Tunisia lead by seven shots in the Junior Boys 15 &amp; Under Division. While in the Junior Boys 13 &amp; Under, Egypt lead by seven shots as well.</p>
<p class="p1">Highlights of note are five of the competitors shot under par; Mehdi Ben Youssef (Tunisia U15 Boys) one under, Aberrahmane Fakori (Morocco U18 Boys) four under, Sinan Melhi (Morocco U18 Boys) two under, Mousa Shana’ah (Jordan U18 Boys) two under and Sofia Essakali (Morocco U18 Ladies) one under.</p>
<p class="p1">These achievements highlight the emerging talent in Arab world of golf.</p>
<p><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Image: Golf Saudi</em></span></p>
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		<title>Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund brings down the curtain on the 2023 Asian Tour season</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/saudi-open-presented-by-public-investment-fund-brings-down-the-curtain-on-the-2023-asian-tour-season/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Nov 2023 04:18:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asian Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riyadh Golf Club]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=73179</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The tournament will also feature up and coming players from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab countries as well as representatives from Saudi Arabia’s national team.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/saudi-open-presented-by-public-investment-fund-brings-down-the-curtain-on-the-2023-asian-tour-season/">Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund brings down the curtain on the 2023 Asian Tour season</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p2">More than 10 months after teeing-off its 2023 season in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Asian Tour will return to there for what promises to be a dramatic denouement to a memorable campaign.</p>
<p class="p2">Boasting a prize purse of US$1 million, the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund will be staged at Riyadh Golf Club (main picture) from December 14-17.</p>
<p class="p2">As the 23rd and last event on the Asian Tour’s 2023 calendar, the tournament will not only determine the Order of Merit champion but also will be the final chance for players to secure a top-65 finish and keep their playing rights for 2024.</p>
<p class="p2">Those that succeed will then be able to look forward to a speedy return to the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund with the tournament also primed to play host to the opening leg of the 2024 season from January 25-28.</p>
<p class="p2">The elevation of the event from the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2022 to the Asian Tour is a further sign of the close ties between Golf Saudi and the Asian Tour.</p>
<div id="attachment_73180" style="width: 760px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-73180" class="size-full wp-image-73180" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Naraajie-Ramadhanputra-won-the-Saudi-Open-presented-by-Public-Investment-Fund-last-year-when-it-was-part-of-the-Asian-Development-Tour-Ian-Walton.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="504" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Naraajie-Ramadhanputra-won-the-Saudi-Open-presented-by-Public-Investment-Fund-last-year-when-it-was-part-of-the-Asian-Development-Tour-Ian-Walton.jpg 750w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Naraajie-Ramadhanputra-won-the-Saudi-Open-presented-by-Public-Investment-Fund-last-year-when-it-was-part-of-the-Asian-Development-Tour-Ian-Walton-300x202.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p id="caption-attachment-73180" class="wp-caption-text"><em><span style="color: #999999;">Naraajie Ramadhanputra won the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund last year when it was part of the Asian Development Tour &#8211; Ian Walton</span></em></p></div>
<p class="p2">“We’re delighted to see the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund become part of the Asian Tour,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner &amp; CEO of the Asian Tour.</p>
<p class="p2">“Last year’s Saudi Open on the ADT was one of the most popular tournaments we have staged in the Kingdom. Following that success, it will now provide a fitting climax to the Asian Tour’s 2023 season – and we will then see a quick turnaround during the new year break and return to tee-off our 2024 campaign.</p>
<p class="p2">“Our thanks go to our counterparts at Golf Saudi and the Riyadh Golf Club for their continued support and partnership.”</p>
<p class="p2">The 120-strong field for this year’s event will include the top-80 available players from the Asian Tour’s 2023 Order of Merit as well as invited players from other international Tours, such as Australia, South Africa, Japan and Korea.</p>
<p class="p2">The tournament will also feature up and coming players from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab countries as well as representatives from Saudi Arabia’s national team.</p>
<p class="p2">Noah Alireza, CEO at Golf Saudi, said: “Joining the Asian Tour this year as the final event on its schedule is an exciting new development for the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund.</p>
<p class="p2">“Every year we’ve hosted the tournament, it has got bigger and better. We’re especially proud of how each edition provides Saudi and Arab golfers the opportunity to participate in a top tier competition.</p>
<p class="p2">“It not only allows them to develop their skill levels but also to test themselves and go head-to-head against players from different countries in the Middle East, North Africa and now the Asian Tour in a competitive environment.”</p>
<p class="p2">In view of the significance of the tournament, the Merit points that will be awarded have been elevated to Tier 3, the same as The International Series events.</p>
<p class="p2">This will be the eighth edition of the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund. Last year’s 54-hole event on the ADT was won by Indonesian Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra with a score of 19-under-par 197. Egyptian Issa Abouelelah finished as the low amateur on nine-under 207.</p>
<p class="p2">Managed by Golf Saudi and playing to a par of 72, Riyadh Golf Club is located 20 minutes from the Saudi capital of Riyadh. Opened in 2005, the course is laid out on undulating terrain with wide fairways and manicured greens.</p>
<p><em><span style="color: #999999;">Main Image: Asian Tour</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/saudi-open-presented-by-public-investment-fund-brings-down-the-curtain-on-the-2023-asian-tour-season/">Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund brings down the curtain on the 2023 Asian Tour season</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Watch: Golf Saudi partner with Kipp Popert, the World Number One golfer with a disability</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/watch-golf-saudi-partner-with-kipp-popert-the-world-number-one-golfer-with-a-disability/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Harry Grimshaw]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Nov 2023 13:48:28 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kipp Popert]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=72979</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“It’s amazing, I want to get as far as I can in the game and having their backing is a great honour.” Kipp Popert</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/watch-golf-saudi-partner-with-kipp-popert-the-world-number-one-golfer-with-a-disability/">Watch: Golf Saudi partner with Kipp Popert, the World Number One golfer with a disability</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">Golf Saudi have announced <strong>Kipp Popert</strong>, the World Number One in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), as their newest signing to their growing player roster</p>
<p class="p1">Kipp joins Golf Saudi as an ambassador and alongside him are 10 other players across the Ladies European Tour, Ladies PGA Tour, and LIV Golf.</p>
<p class="p1">Diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy, Spastic diplegia, that affects his lower body and having gone through several surgeries, Kipp is an eight-time winner on the G4D Tour and the Englishman spoke exclusively to <em>Golf Digest Middle East</em> at the recent G4D Tour Season Finale @ DP World Tour Championship, Jumeirah Golf Estates.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Golf_Saudi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Golf_Saudi</a> partner with Kipp Popert, the World Number One golfer with a disability</p>
<p>?&#xfe0f;“It’s amazing, I want to get as far as I can in the game and having their backing is a great honor” <a href="https://twitter.com/KpPopert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KpPopert</a> </p>
<p>Full story on <a href="https://t.co/6VFDIuncLG">https://t.co/6VFDIuncLG</a> <a href="https://t.co/OKG55e7ApW">pic.twitter.com/OKG55e7ApW</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Golf Digest ME (@GolfDigestME) <a href="https://twitter.com/GolfDigestME/status/1726235706564243840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">“It’s amazing and I’m really appreciative of their support (Golf Saudi), I want to get as far as I can in the game and having their backing is a great honour.”</p>
<p class="p1">Popert’s trophy cabinet spans across some of the globe’s greatest courses; The Belfry, Wentworth Club, Real Club Valderrama and Victoria Golf Club. The 25-year-old even has prior experience in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as he competed on the Asian Development Tour in the 2022 PIF Saudi Open at Riyadh Golf Club against a full field of able-bodied professionals.</p>
<p class="p1">“It was my first time playing in an elite tour event and it was an awesome experience. I’m heading back there in a few weeks as well so I’m excited to get going. The facilities down there are awesome and are only going to get better.”</p>
<p class="p1">The partnership between Kipp, his fellow ambassadors and Golf Saudi will further improve inclusivity within golf in the region and provide Kipp with the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given him so much.</p>
<p><em><span style="color: #999999;">Image: Golf Saudi</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/watch-golf-saudi-partner-with-kipp-popert-the-world-number-one-golfer-with-a-disability/">Watch: Golf Saudi partner with Kipp Popert, the World Number One golfer with a disability</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Read all the Arabic editions of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/read-all-the-arabic-editions-of-golf-digest-middle-east-free-here/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 03:11:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Gulf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aramco Team Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chiara Noja]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DP World Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dubai Desert Classic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LIV Golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PGA Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ras Al Khaimah Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riyadh Golf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Royal Greens Golf and Country Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saudi Golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saudi International]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saudi Ladies International]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suzann Pettersen]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=63498</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Get the Arabic editions of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here!</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/read-all-the-arabic-editions-of-golf-digest-middle-east-free-here/">Read all the Arabic editions of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">Golf Digest Middle East has now been printing in Arabic for more than a year — the world&#8217;s first Arabic golf magazine — as the game gains in popularity throughout the Middle East and beyond.</p>
<p>You can catch up will all our coverage by visiting the website <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><a style="color: #ff6600;" href="https://golfdigestme.com/ar/">HERE</a></strong></span>, or alternatively scroll through the ISSUU links below — from Jason Kokrak and Cam Smith to the Aramco Team Series — or download to your favourite device for later.</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.1</strong> – January 2022</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=arabic_dg_reversed_online_binder&amp;pageNumber=68&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.2</strong> – April 2022</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=gdme-arabic_reversed_online_binder&amp;pageNumber=68&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.3</strong> – August 2022</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=gdme_digital_arabic&amp;pageNumber=68&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.4</strong> – October 2022</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=arabic_gd_issu_4_online_binder&amp;pageNumber=68&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.5</strong> – January 2023</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=arabic_gd-me_revirsed_online_binder&amp;pageNumber=68&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.6</strong> – April 2023</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=arabicn_gd_issue_6-2023_online_reversed_binder&amp;pageNumber=68&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.7</strong> – August 2023</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=arabic_gd_issue_7_online_binder&amp;pageNumber=68&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Issue No.8</strong> – October 2023</p>
<div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=arabic_gd_issue_8_online_binder&amp;pageNumber=70&amp;u=motivatepublishing" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/read-all-the-arabic-editions-of-golf-digest-middle-east-free-here/">Read all the Arabic editions of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Riyadh’s local Aramco Team Series hero Lujain Khalil: See you at the Olympics!</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/riyadhs-local-aramco-team-series-hero-lujain-khalil-see-you-at-the-olympics/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Smith]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Oct 2023 08:43:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ladies European Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Gulf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aramco Team Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carlota Ciganda]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lujain Khalil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riyadh]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=72434</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>‘I want to thank my father in every language possible for all he has done for me’</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/riyadhs-local-aramco-team-series-hero-lujain-khalil-see-you-at-the-olympics/">Riyadh’s local Aramco Team Series hero Lujain Khalil: See you at the Olympics!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">A cheer always goes up when the winning quartet hole out on 18 to claim an Aramco Team Championship, but the roar was that little bit louder from the galleries surrounding the final hole at Riyadh Golf Club on Saturday.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<div id="attachment_72437" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-72437" class="size-full wp-image-72437" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ-3-Oisin-Keniry.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ-3-Oisin-Keniry.jpg 740w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ-3-Oisin-Keniry-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-72437" class="wp-caption-text">Lujain Khalil high-fives Sara Kouskova after the winning putt. Oisin Keniry/ATS</p></div>
<p class="p1">“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.&#8217; This is probably the biggest day of golf I have ever seen.</p>
<p class="p1">&#8220;Carlota is a powerhouse, and Alessandra and Sara have been incredible. Considering they are rookies, their game has just been incredible.”</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.”</p>
<div id="attachment_72436" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-72436" class="size-full wp-image-72436" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ-2-Oisin-Keniry.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ-2-Oisin-Keniry.jpg 740w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ-2-Oisin-Keniry-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-72436" class="wp-caption-text">Lujain Khalil alongside her captain Carlota Ciganda. Oisin Keniry/ATS</p></div>
<p class="p1">Ciganda was first to praise the young talent she played beside on Friday and Saturday.</p>
<p class="p1">“I think she played great,” she said. “To be playing only four years, I know this is her own course, but still &#8230; 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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.”</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.</p>
<p class="p1">“I am forever grateful to him and so happy to be sharing this journey with him and my family.”</p>
<div id="attachment_72438" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-72438" class="size-full wp-image-72438" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ.jpg 740w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LJ-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-72438" class="wp-caption-text">Dad Omar was on hand to lead the congratulations after Lujain&#8217;s win. Oisin Keniry/ATS</p></div>
<p class="p1">Dad Omar also took time to reflect on that journey, speaking to <em><strong>Golf Digest Middle East</strong></em> after watching Lujain’s triumph.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.</p>
<p class="p1">“I had to get certified, and now I do her strength and conditioning, I do her nutrition and I do her swing coaching.”</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.”</p>
<p class="p1">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 &#8230; 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!”</p>
<p><span style="color: #999999;"><em><strong>Lujain Khalil celebrates with father Omar after the win. Oisin Keniry/ATS</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/riyadhs-local-aramco-team-series-hero-lujain-khalil-see-you-at-the-olympics/">Riyadh’s local Aramco Team Series hero Lujain Khalil: See you at the Olympics!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Alison Lee continues to steamroll the Riyadh course in Aramco Team Series finale</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/alison-lee-continues-to-steamroll-the-riyadh-course-in-aramco-team-series-finale/</link>
					<comments>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/alison-lee-continues-to-steamroll-the-riyadh-course-in-aramco-team-series-finale/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Smith]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Oct 2023 13:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ladies European Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alison Lee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aramco Team Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carlota Ciganda]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riyadh]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=72414</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Carlota Ciganda and Co claim the Team title and Spaniard leads the chase of American Lee</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/alison-lee-continues-to-steamroll-the-riyadh-course-in-aramco-team-series-finale/">Alison Lee continues to steamroll the Riyadh course in Aramco Team Series finale</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">You might think Alison Lee has a new favourite golf course, following yet another sensational day at Riyadh Golf Club.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<div id="attachment_72416" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-72416" class="size-full wp-image-72416" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Carlota-1.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Carlota-1.jpg 740w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Carlota-1-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-72416" class="wp-caption-text">Carlota Ciganda. ATS</p></div>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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!’</p>
<p class="p1">“You got to play confidently and aggressively out there because there are so many birdies to be made.”</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On a different level this week. <a href="https://twitter.com/alisonlee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alisonlee</a> shoots back-to-back 61s to set a new <a href="https://twitter.com/LETgolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LETgolf</a> scoring record after 36 holes ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeeTheImpact?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeeTheImpact</a> <a href="https://t.co/kfoIRTMuW9">pic.twitter.com/kfoIRTMuW9</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Aramco Team Series (@Aramco_Series) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aramco_Series/status/1718219613199053188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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.”</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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!”</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The winning moment ?</p>
<p>What a performance from the whole team ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeeTheImpact?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeeTheImpact</a> <a href="https://t.co/83X88US434">pic.twitter.com/83X88US434</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Aramco Team Series (@Aramco_Series) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aramco_Series/status/1718250332776534359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">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.</p>
<p class="p1">“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,&#8221; said Ciganda. &#8220;We all contributed and it was a great team effort.&#8221;</p>
<p class="p1">Finali added: “We really had a lot of fun out there, especially the last four or five holes, where we all came together.”</p>
<p class="p1">Now Ciganda and Lee turn their attention to Sunday and take aim at a sensational finale to round out the ATS season.</p>
<p><span style="color: #999999;"><em><strong>Main image: ATS</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/alison-lee-continues-to-steamroll-the-riyadh-course-in-aramco-team-series-finale/">Alison Lee continues to steamroll the Riyadh course in Aramco Team Series finale</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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