Over 100 competitors from 12 countries will be taking part across five categories; Under 15 Girls, Ladies, Under 13 Boys, Under 15 Boys and Under 18 Boys.

Golfers from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia and the UAE will join the hosts Saudi Arabia in an event which marks a significant moment in the global golfing calendar as it it furthermore showcases the expanding talent there is in golf across the Arab world.

Over 100 competitors from 12 Arab countries – Saudi Golf Federation

The stats don’t lie, junior and ladies golf in the region is growing, as handicaps in all categories have seen a significant drop, indicating the rise in skill level across the board.

With the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) 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 as illustrated in its detailed preparation of proudly hosting the championship.

Last day of practice at Riyadh Golf Club – Saudi Golf Federation

The opening ceremony is scheduled for today, with the tournament then spanning across the three following days on the 28^th – 30^th November for all categories, with the exception of the Under 13 Boys who will play 36 holes.

This championship is more than a tournament; it’s a testament to the growing love for golf in the Arab world and a beacon of inspiration for future generations of golfers.

Images: Golf Saudi

The post Saudi Arabia showcasing best Arabic golfers to the world appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

In a quest to make Saudi Arabia a leading nation in the sport, Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) are embarking on an innovative journey. This key move in the nation’s golfing landscape is spearheading multiple initiatives under its Mass Participation Mission, introducing, educating and entertaining both the young and old through an array of programmes. These encompass not only charity and corporate events but also extend to educational collaborations with schools and universities as well as partnerships with Saudi Pro League football clubs, the Ministry of Defence and other governmental entities as well as overseas activations at Golf Saudi-partnered tournaments such as the Ladies European Tour’s Aramco Team Series. 

An integral part of this vision is the ground-breaking school programme. Golf Saudi and the SGF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Sport Federation, have developed a unique ‘Train the Trainer’ model, with participation from 208 schools across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. This programme aims to equip physical education teachers with the necessary skills to teach and train students in golf, leading to a verified physical and digital certification. 

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

The ‘Train the Trainer’ programme goes beyond just teaching the game. It is structured to enable educators to effectively impart the art, etiquette and skills of golf to their students. This initiative has already been successful in regions such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province, Hail, Al Qassim, Aljawuf, and Neom. Notable participating schools include Tadrees, MISK Schools, Dar Al Barah, Al Olaya, Al Rowad, Tarbiyah Namouthajiyah and Waad Academy.

To ensure safety and enjoyment, the Mass Participation department has provided unique SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment to each school involved. This child-friendly kit sparks interest by making the game fun and accessible for beginners.

Complementing in-school programmes, they host children from various local and international schools at partner professional tournaments. These events — the PIF Saudi International, Aramco Saudi Ladies International, Saudi Open and LIV Golf’s Jeddah competition — offer a unique opportunity for children to play golf in fan villages, leading to more than 15,000 children experiencing golf for the first time.

Looking ahead, Golf Saudi plans to roll out the ‘Class to Grass’ initiative. This move promotes a transition from using SNAG equipment to real golf equipment, backed by inter-school competitions that foster healthy competition and camaraderie. The Ministry of Education collaborates in providing invaluable support for after-school programmes, further enhancing engagement and facilitating educational development for children.

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi

The Mass Participation department’s efforts are more than just teaching golf. They aim to instil an appreciation for the sport and the values it represents — discipline, focus, patience and respect. This approach invests in Saudi Arabia’s future, nurturing a generation of not just golf enthusiasts but potential champions.

As the momentum grows, the achievements of Golf Saudi and the SGF in 2022/23 have laid a solid foundation for future development. Their roadmap aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious national strategy for sustainable growth. As they develop an innovative culture concerned with environmental protection, economic development and social activation aim to increase sports participation and enhance golf’s global presence.

The Mass Participation Department plays a fundamental role within Golf Saudi, coordinating the operations of most of its departments. This department is often the first point of contact for clients and corporates. Depending on the client’s needs, the Mass Participation Department connects them with the relevant department. This systematic and structured approach optimises the client experience and ensures efficient operations within Golf Saudi.

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Sometimes we use the phrases ‘brother’ and ‘family’ in a matter-of-fact way. 

Throwaway references to your best chums, the guys you meet at the club or colleagues you tolerate after work. 

Then sometimes you are given a true reminder of what that term actually means when you meet someone like Othman Almulla.

The 36-year-old began his golfing career on the sand courses in Saudi Arabia, using a rubber mat and a set of borrowed clubs, with school grades suffering as he would sneak on to the course whenever he could. 

That dedication and addiction paid off in the long run as he started to turn a few heads in the Middle East and beyond. How could a boy from the sand of Saudi Arabia compete with the best in the world? 

Compete he did, and true to his word and ambition to become a champion, he won the Qatar Open and Saudi Aramco Invitational in 2008 and became the youngest Pan Arab Amateur Golf Tournament champ at 21, sporting his beloved Adidas gear whenever he could on the course.

After years of grafting away, Othman eventually marked his official arrival when he became the first Saudi professional golfer in 2019, aged 32, when the game began its next-generation journey in the Kingdom through Golf Saudi. 

Now a seasoned pro, Othman is not content to rest on his laurels, and has already began nurturing the fruits of his labours — with two little ‘brothers’ ready to carry the torch forward for Saudi Arabian golf.

Not quite old enough to be a ‘father figure’, Othman is content to be the big brother of the Saudi golf family as Faisal Salhab and Saud Al Sharif are emerging as stars in their own making.  

Othman Almulla with his Saudi golfing family Faisal Salhab, left, and Saud Al Sharif. Neville Hopwood

The recent PIF Saudi International saw Faisal and Saud mark their own professional journeys for Saudi golf in a field full of major winners and legendary names such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith.

A big stage indeed.

Saudi’s second and third golf stars have one guy to thank and to aspire to, that big brother Othman, who has guided them through a difficult — and a sometimes solitary — path to the top level in the game, having played together flying the Saudi flag in team events.

“Faisal and Saud, they are my little brothers,” Othman told Golf Digest Middle East. “Golf can be a very individual sport and you are with your own team — physios and coaches, whatever — but you find yourself out there on your own a lot of the time. 

“But to be out on tour with them now as professionals will be super special, we will create the best memories together. My favourite memories in golf so far are with them in team events representing Saudi Arabia around the world in some big championships. The camaraderie and brotherhood has been created over these past years. I think I have been playing with them for almost 10 years and these relationships and friendships are not easy to come by. I truly believe that I am an older brother to them — they really are my two little brothers out here now on the pro circuit and to see them out here chasing a passion that we all share is truly uplifting. 

“I think it is easy to sometimes get stuck in one event, but we now have a very fruitful career ahead of us, all three together and I am very excited about that. This is just the first step, after the partnerships with Golf Saudi and the strides we have taken around the world, and I truly believe the best is yet to come.”

Faisal was quick to praise the ‘big guy’ whom he overshadows, literally, with his bulging biceps, a product of the new revolution taking over golf in the Kingdom. 

“This is another exciting step on our journey and where better to turn professional than in our home country at the Saudi International,” he said.

“It has been a long journey to get to this point but the continued support of Othman and Golf Saudi, the Saudi Golf Federation, my coaching team, and friends and family have made all the difference.

“I want to thank them for everything and hope that I can continue my success in the professional game.”

Othman in action at the PIF Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club. Neville Hopwood

Saud was equally as excited for the future. “Turning professional has been my goal since I first caught the golf bug as a young kid through guys like Othman, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to fully pursue golf as a career,” he said.

“There are so many people to thank but Othman, Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation have been integral to growing the game within the Kingdom and allowing both of us the opportunity to play golf and reach this point.

“I can’t wait to be on the road with Othman and Faisal testing ourselves against the best players and on the best courses, and hope that our story can help others to see and believe they can do the same and follow in our footsteps. As well as winning on the international stage, we each share the dream of inspiring the next generation, and professional golf gives us the platform to do that.”

Hugging his ‘family’, Othman added: “Life on tour is a pretty demanding one, so I’m hoping that I can help the guys avoid some of my mistakes and to do whatever I can to help them overcome some of the early challenges of turning professional.”

The curtain-raiser for Faisal and Saud was not without its tragedy as Othman has to cut short ceremonies at Royal Greens to return to Dammam as his father-in-law passed away on the Tuesday evening. However, he ensured he was back in Jeddah to support his teammates and tee up for the Saudi International by Thursday, with wife Rana’s blessing and encouragement. 

“It was a tough couple of days, but it was important to me to come back,” an emotional Othman said. “It was important to come back and support Saud and Faisal.

“I told my family it was important to come back and put on a brave face. We need to be role models and an inspiration to the Saudi population and that is keeping me strong. 

“I think golf families are the most unsung heroes. My wife is the most supportive and special person I know.” 

When back on the range and greens, Othman attracted more than a few jealous glances as he was sporting a very special set of shoes — the brand new Adidas ZG23s — something even the top pros in the US and across Europe are waiting to get their hands (and feet) on.

“A few of the guys during the pro-am stopped me and said: ‘Whoa, where did you get them?’ I won’t say who, but these are established guys looking at my shoes and casting envious glances, wanting to check them out. 

“I turned pro in 2019, and the guys in Dubai started a conversation in an unofficial capacity as they saw I was always a massive fan of Adidas gear and the relationship started from there. 

“I started wearing some of the best golf gear available and, around two years ago, we got together with an official partnership.  

“I can’t tell you how much I love being an Adidas athlete, as it’s all I remember wearing.”

As understanding as she is, Rana has her limits when it comes to Othman’s attire.  

Neville Hopwood

“My wife gives me a hard time about it as my whole wardrobe is Adidas, and it’s my lifestyle regardless what we are going out to do,” he admitted. 

“To be honest the gear is amazing and that is why I wear it all the time. The shoes are some of the most comfortable involved in the game and the ZG21s, which were the previous versions of the new one, were one of my favourite pairs of golf shoes. 

“The guys began to tease me: ‘Wait to you see what is coming in 2023.’ I was kinda looking around for snippets and previews and couldn’t find anything. Then these arrived at my house and I was like: ‘Wow.’ 

“There are one of the lightest shoes in golf, just like the previous iterations, and it is nice to feel I can go at it as hard as I want I am going to feel super stable and my feet will still be fresh after a round, know what I mean? 

“I won’t go into the tech but all I know is I know they help me play my best golf.” 

The post Brother beyond: Othman Almulla keeps it in the family as Saud and Faisal make professional debuts at Saudi International appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
What do you get when you mix a Harvard Business School education, investment banking experience, the visionary governorship of one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds and deep personal passion for golf?

A vastly experienced, business-savvy, globally connected and wholly invigorated new President of the Arab Golf Federation (AGF), that’s what.

His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan ascended to the pivotal role on January 1 and immediately pledged his “full commitment” to helping the AGF’s 19-member nations become even more influential contributors to the growth of golf globally.

The dual Golf Saudi and Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) Chairman’s appointment was part of a double-whammy for the Kingdom as Majed Al Sorour, the CEO at Golf Saudi and Deputy Chairman of the SGF, was announced as the AGF’s new Secretary-General.

Majed Al Sorour

It means the ambitious duo behind the rise and rise of Saudi Arabian golf have now been charged with super-charging the game’s governance and development across the Arab world. 

Further to that noble grow the game mission as an R&A and Arab Olympic Committee sanctioned organisation, Al-Rumayyan believes the AGF is ready to play an even bigger role developing the professional game.

“The Arab Golf Federation represents one of the most important regional clusters in not only global golf development, but worldwide professional golf,” said Al-Rumayyan. 

“Since as far back as the late 1980s, the Middle East has become a catalyst for the game’s growth and enjoys a rich heritage in promoting the sport. This is something I know all members take great pride in and is a driving force in our vision for the future.”

Sport has been a cornerstone of Al-Rumayyan’s career and as the Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – he is responsible for the multi-billion-dollar investment in sporting events forming part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s transformative economic and social reform blueprint opening up the Kingdom to the world. 

With a Harvard Business School education and subsequent experience in wealth management and investment banking, the organisation stands to benefit from Al-Rumayyan’s business acumen as well as a passion for, and substantial professional expertise in, the development of Saudi golf.

“It is an honour for me to take on the role as AGF President. First of all, I would like to congratulate my predecessor His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi on the fantastic job he has done in leading the Arab Golf Federation and thank him personally for his success in bringing the great game of golf to the Arab people,” Al-Rumayyan said.

“I am not only a passionate golfer, but recognise the true value the sport can deliver, across all our societies. I pledge my full commitment to focussing on how the AGF can support the game’s governing bodies, in their mission to develop the game around the world, as well as mobilising our collective resources to maximise opportunities for Arab nations in our growing participation in game’s global future.”

A keen golfer himself, Al Sorour will be looking to bring his widespread business and sporting expertise in his new role at the AGF.

“Thanks must go to Mr. Adel Mohammed Al Zarouni, who I take over from as the Arab Golf Federation’s new Secretary General,” said Al Sorour. 

“I am incredibly proud to take up this new position, given the ever-increasing prominence of Saudi Arabia in the global golf industry and having already worked closed alongside His Excellency at Golf Saudi, I am confident that we will be able to deliver an inspired strategy for golf in the Middle East which sees the sport’s continued growth in the region.”

golfsaudi.com

The post H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan determined to grow Arab Golf Federation’s global influence appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The Arab Golf Federation was founded in 1974 and represents the collective interests of 19 member nations, whose mission, which is recognised by The R&A and Arab Olympic Committee, is to streamline governance of the game in the Arab world and enhance the overall development of golf by creating more and better playing opportunities for its members.

Speaking about his appointment to the AGF, Al-Rumayyan said: “It is an honour for me to take on the role as AGF President. First of all, I would like to congratulate my predecessor His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi on the fantastic job he has done in leading the Arab Golf Federation and thank him personally for his success in bringing the great game of golf to the Arab people. I am not only a passionate golfer, but recognise the true value the sport can deliver, across all our societies. I pledge my full commitment to focussing on how the AGF can support the game’s governing bodies, in their mission to develop the game around the world, as well as mobilising our collective resources to maximise opportunities for Arab nations in our growing participation in game’s global future.”

Sport has been a cornerstone of Al-Rumayyan’s career and as the Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – he is responsible for the multi-billion-dollar investment in sporting events forming part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s transformative economic and social reform blueprint opening up the Kingdom to the world. With a Harvard Business School education and subsequent experience in wealth management and investment banking, the organisation stands to benefit from Al Rumayyan’s business acumen as well as a passion for, and substantial professional expertise in, the development of Saudi golf.

Underlining the strength and growth of golf in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the CEO and Deputy Chairman of both Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation, Majed Al Sorour, was also appointed the AGF’s Secretary-General. A keen golfer himself, Al Sorour will be looking to bring his widespread business and sporting expertise in his new role at the AGF.

Majed Al Sorour.

Al-Rumayyan added: “The Arab Golf Federation represents one of the most important regional clusters in not only global golf development, but worldwide professional golf. Since as far back as the late eighties, the Middle East has become a catalyst for the game’s growth and enjoys a rich heritage in promoting the sport. This is something I know all members take great pride in and is a driving force in our vision for the future.”

Following his appointment as the AGF’s new Secretary-General, Majed Al Sorour said: “Thanks must go to Mr. Adel Mohammed Al Zarouni, who I take over from as the Arab Golf Federation’s new Secretary-General. I am incredibly proud to take up this new position, given the ever-increasing prominence of Saudi Arabia in the global golf industry and having already worked closed alongside His Excellency at Golf Saudi, I am confident that we will be able to deliver an inspired strategy for golf in the Middle East which sees the sport’s continued growth in the region.”

The post Golf Saudi duo appointed to top Arab Golf Federation roles appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

After three seasons as one of the European Tour’s highest-ranking events, the Saudi International presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers is set to become the Asian Tour’s new “marquee” event in a landmark 10-year agreement.

Scheduled for Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City from February 3-6, the tournament has had its purse bolstered to $5 million – a $1.5m increase – as a result. While no star signings were initially mentioned, Golf Saudi are also again promising to assemble “one of the strongest fields in world golf”.

Monday’s announcement won’t have come as a major surprise to the now cosy PGA and Euro Tour powerbrokers at Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida or at Wentworth in England but it is a seismic moment nonetheless as golf’s global battle lines are redrawn.

RELATED: The Asian and MENA Tours are planning a joint development circuit to rival PGA Tour’s Korn Ferry feeder

Insiders see the Asian Tour, dormant since the COVID-19 outbreak, as a sleeping giant reawakened thanks to the global disrupter role – not to mention the fiscal might – being played by Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation in both the men’s and women’s games. Monday’s announcement is seen as a  forerunner to the Kingdom bankrolling a new-look Asian Tour which continues to be loosely linked to the controversial Super Golf League.

In a joint statement, Golf Saudi and the Asian Tour said the sanctioning of the Saudi International “represents a revitalised strategy, intended to elevate the well-established event in significant emerging markets around the world.”

But PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Euro Tour CEO Keith Pelley will no doubt be reading between the lines of key statements made by both Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al-Sorour and Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO, Cho Minn Thant.

“This partnership will unlock many opportunities for players, sponsors and fans of the game,” said Majed Al-Sorour, who also doubles as the CEO of the Saudi Golf Federation.

“Most importantly, we are eager to help build a more inclusive game for all eligible professional golfers that spans borders and cultures by fostering collaboration with major tours and see this as an exciting first step on that journey.

“Today marks a significant development for our flagship golf event and our vision to strengthen the depth of world-class golf events, both in the GCC and also on the international stage. The importance and potential of Asia’s role in world golf is undeniable, not least due to its position as a global economic powerhouse.”

Cho described the deal as an “outstanding development for the Asian Tour that will create significant benefits for our membership, key stakeholders, and fans alike.” He said the Saudi International, which boasts Dustin Johnson as a two-time champion and is managed by golf and sports management group IMG, would create “new commercial prospects” and enable a “greater number of professional golfers to qualify and compete for life-changing opportunities”.

“The Saudi International presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers is a world-class tournament which has become truly global. We are thrilled that it will be the showcase event of the Asian Tour’s season, spearheading our expansion into new frontiers,” said Cho.

The Saudi International will mark the start of a revamped 2022 schedule for the Asian Tour which looks back to the Bandar Malaysia Open in early March, 2020, as its last event pre the coronavirus pandemic. Monday’s media release said a combined schedule to complete its stalled 2020/2021 season was being finalised and would be unveiled in “due course”.

There will be relief, especially regionally, that the 2022 Saudi International hasn’t been scheduled directly opposite the elevated Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic but the impending 2022 Asian Tour calendar is sure to make Monahan and Pelley take note when it is finally released.

As former Ryder Cup captain and European Tour board member Paul McGinley warned the Daily Mail last month, the global game should prepare itself for major disruption for the next three or four years.

McGinley told respected Daily Mail golf correspondent Derek Lawrenson that he expects the Saudi-financed takeover of the Asian Tour to succeed, meaning the European Tour is set to lose other big events such as the Hong Kong and Malaysian Opens.

The European Tour’s next move in relation to its 2022 schedule will indeed be fascinating.

With the Saudi International, which has spent large on appearance fees to attract the game’s biggest names, now part of a revitalised Asian Tour schedule, a seemingly inescapable tug-of-war for the game’s biggest names has begun.

“We’re resigned to that kind of thing happening and the lawyers being involved,” McGinley said.

“If the Saudi event becomes part of the Asian Tour, will Jay Monahan give the defending champion Dustin Johnson a release to get his $2million appearance fee, or Keith Pelley grant releases for the leading Europeans to play? That’s the path we’re on, sadly.

“We’ve spoken to the Saudis on a number of occasions. We would love them to continue to be part of our tour but they see it a different way. They think golf is stale and want to come in as disrupters and change the whole DNA of the game.”

The Kingdom is understood to have offered the European Tour unimaginable riches to partner in their new vision for the pro game which includes players reportedly owning F1-style teams, not to mention tens of millions in sign-on and appearance fees. But when the European Tour sided instead with the PGA Tour, the Saudi financiers looked closer to home; the Kingdom is geographically part of Asia after all. And the Asian Tour is only part of the complex and increasingly fractious puzzle.

The PGA Tour quickly informed players of immediate bans if they align with the Super Golf League. But what if the Saudi International is “only” part of the Asian Tour? Would the PGA or European Tour be so bolshie as to stop a player appearing on a circuit that is also a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours? Or will the disruption McGinley warns of mean the total disintegration of golf’s long-established halls of power?

The PGA-European Tour alliance has already begun building a more global tour by giving next year’s Scottish Open (another Rolex Series event like Dubai) and a couple of smaller PGA events – the Barbasol Championship and the Barracuda Championship – co-sanctioned status, as well as reducing the number of World Golf Championship events.

McGinley hinted Dubai, the flagship BWM PGA Championship at Wentworth and maybe even the Dubai Duty Free-sponsored Irish Open could soon follow suit. So perhaps last week’s Dubai Desert Classic announcement is just the first circling of wagons in the Middle East, such an important region for the European Tour.

McGinley expects new UK events to suck up some of the suddenly empty spaces in the European Tour calendar given the Asian Tour exodus, insists the ET won’t eventually be “eaten up by the PGA Tour” and also doubts Saudi money will be able to trump tradition. In the long run that is, but not before a massive legal scrap.

“Ultimately, we’ll get to where everyone wants to be. But we are going to have to suck up some disruption,” McGinley said.

“The Saudi lawyers reckon the PGA Tour can’t stop the players from joining and still being members but Jay [Monahan] is adamant that he can. Unfortunately, it’s looking like we’ll end up with a massive legal case.”

The post Saudi International aligns with Asian Tour in seismic 10-year deal appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

If Dame Laura Davies deserves anything from her World Golf Hall of Fame career it is to be heard and especially so when the subject is the very future of the women’s game.

The 57-year-old Englishwoman might be a prolific champion with 85 wins worldwide but is not prone to hyperbole. All of which made her effusive praise of the Aramco Team Series worthy of repeating after the innovative concept’s debut in London last month.

“The more forward-thinking sponsors we get like this the better,” the four-time major champion said of the Kingdom’s petroleum and natural gas company which is backing the series’ four tournaments in London, Sotogrande (Aug 5-7), New York (Oct 14-16) and King Abdullah Economic City (near Jeddah, Nov 10-12) to the tune of US$4 million.

“They are doing an absolutely cracking job for us. And what they’ll hopefully do is make all the other sponsors move the bar up and realise that 108 pros cannot exist on a €200,000 tournament. I know times are hard and everything, but there’s not much to go round with that kind of prize fund. 

“We are not asking every sponsor obviously to put a million euros in – or million dollars as it is this time – but it is just encouraging other sponsors who are doing such a great job.”

“Everything has to be viable – they [sponsors] have to have a tournament that works for them as well as the players. Maybe other sponsors will want to get a bit closer to the Aramcos of this world.”

Owned by Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation and sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), the Aramco Team Series sees the LET’s best players and invited LPGA Tour stars team up with an amateur golfers to compete for a $1m prize fund at each venue.

The series employs a NBA-style draft system where selected team captains pick one pro teammate before being allocated a third via a random draw as well as amateur golfer who could end up putting for a major payday for their three professional team-mates. As well as competing for the team trophy, the professionals also vie for an individual title which carries Rolex (World) Rankings and Solheim Cup points, as well as being an integral part of the LET’s season-long Race to Costa del Sol money race.

Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al Sorour

Davies’ comments didn’t go unnoticed by Majed Al Sorour at the Centurion Club. The Golf Saudi CEO is adamant the Aramco Team Series is an important moment for not only golf but women’s sport.

“It’s encouraging to hear these kinds of comments from Laura,” said Al Sorour. “Golf Saudi is a champion of women’s sport and we hope our support of the Aramco Team Series events will make a big difference to the sustainability of women’s golf; something which is aligned to the ongoing women’s sporting movement in Saudi as part of Vision 2030.

“As is the case across global sport, women’s golf really does lag behind the men’s game in terms of prize money and exposure. Aramco’s continued commitment in golf across the next few years can hopefully provide the catalyst for other international backers to invest in the game and change this.

“We truly feel this could be one of the most exciting and innovative event formats in women’s sport today. We’re attracting the biggest names in women’s golf and shaking things up globally with the US sport style ‘draft’ and walk-on music. We’re always trying to innovate and make the game more appealing.”

Enhanced global broadcast coverage is part of Aramco commitment, now the most significant sponsor on the LET.

“The more broadcast exposure we can give women’s sport the better – we’re excited to see the Aramco Team Series being shown in 60 countries over the coming months,” Al Sorour continued.

Trailblazers

For the record, German Olivia Cowan captained her foursome to victory in the teams event in London while Norwegian Marianne Skarpnord captured the individual title in a playoff.

JA the Resort Ambassador Cowan led Sarina Schmidt, Diksha Dagar and amateur Andrew Kelsey to victory by three strokes from Team Skarpnord. It was a maiden LET title for Cowan who produced the pivotal shot of the final round, holing out for eagle from 72 metres with her 56 degree wedge to send her team back to the summit of the leaderboard.

Amateur Andy Kelsey, Captain Olivia Cowan, Sarina Schmidt, and Diksha Dagar

“I can’t put it in words how amazing it is. To share it with one of my best friends is just incredible as well,” Cowan said after selecting Schmidt. “I got really lucky with my team. I knew I wanted to pick Sarina two weeks ago and then to have Diksha on the team as well – I knew she was a great player and that she could hole some putts – so, I knew we had a good chance.

“We all just complemented each other. We were all so great out there – we are a proper team. We weren’t looking out to win the individual, we were going out there as a team to win the team event and that’s paid off.”

Skarpnord’s consolation was victory in the individual event although she was made to work for it after carding a superb closing round of 68 – five-under – to tie Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul on 13-under-par.

Marianne Skarpnord

A drained 12ft birdie putt on the Centurion Club’s 18th hole saw the Norwegian clinch her fifth LET title at the first time of calling in sudden death.

“It was won with a lot of nerves,” Skarpnord said afterwards. “On the short putts, my hands were nearly shaking. To win this event is very special. I think this concept is so, so good and we’ve had so much fun this week. I love the format. It’s so much fun when you’re a team and you have to do well for someone else as well, not just yourself.”

On to Spain

The series moves to the La Reserva Club, near Marbella, with a host of European Solheim Cup heroes set to up the ante. In for the three-day event in Sotogrande come Georgia Hall, Charley Hull and Bronte Law, along with their winning 2019 Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew. The Scot won’t mind the unique team format as she runs the rule over some key players ahead of September’s rematch with the U.S.

Women’s PGA Championship runner-up and four-time US Solheim Cup player Lizette Salas and Alison Lee will head the American challenge in Spain while Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn and Lindsey Weaver, the 2013 and 2018 LPGA Rookies of the Year respectively, are others to watch.

Charley Hull is eyeing Sotogrande

Skarpnord is back too and can’t wait to kick on from London.

“It was awesome to win and go down in history as this tournament’s first-ever winner. London was so much fun so I already can’t wait to do it again in Sotogrande next month.

“Events like the Aramco Team Series go to prove that so much great work is being done to elevate women’s golf, so I know the opportunities I have available for these magical moments are only growing, which is fantastic – and great to be a part of.”

Dame Laura Davies happily concurs.

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By Kent Gray
It was called the “shot heard around the world”, a spoon (4 wood in today’s parlance) that Gene Sarazen holed for a double eagle in 1935 to put the Masters on the map.

Fast-forward to Thursday at Augusta National and 86-year-old Lee Elder didn’t even need to hit a shot in his role as the major’s newest honorary starter to make global headlines. His mere presence at the ceremonial first tee shot, courtesy of becoming the first black man to play at the Masters in 1975, was poignant enough.

RELATED: Lee Elder makes history again at Augusta National as an honorary starter

Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player did stripe drives down Augusta National’s 1st fairway and while not as historically significant as Sarazen’s albatross or Elder’s appearance, there was also a major moment for another golf trailblazer – Golf Saudi.

Golf’s governing body in the Kingdom grabbed the opportunity to announce Player as its latest, and by far most influential, global ambassador.

The nine-time major champion will work with Golf Saudi to “help implement a shared vision for golf and its future development within the Kingdom.” He previously made guest appearances at the 2020 Saudi International, as well as the inaugural Golf Saudi Summit in the same year.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Grand Slam Champion X Golf Saudi

We’re delighted the legendary @garyplayer is now a Golf Saudi Ambassador. The nine-time major winner will help deliver fun and accessible golf activities across Saudi Arabia.

Welcome to the family, Mr Player♞#GolfSaudi pic.twitter.com/ADrqzktnql

— Golf Saudi قـولـف الـسـعـوديـة (@Golf_Saudi) April 8, 2021

“I have long admired the vision of Golf Saudi, but more importantly the work that is being done on the ground to provide access to the sport for all levels,” said Player who won the Masters in 1961, 1974 and 1978.

“I have had many fantastic experiences visiting the Middle East and was lucky enough to visit Saudi Arabia to see first-hand the great work that is under way, in particular the effort and focus to introduce the country’s youthful population to the health benefits the sport can provide.”

Player, whose global portfolio of course designs includes Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, has already been involved in conversations with Golf Saudi about how to further develop the Saudi’s infrastructure as part of the Kingdom’s wider ‘Vision 2030’ socio-economic programme.

Player hosted a clinic for juniors at the 2020 Saudi-International.

“We are privileged to have Gary Player join us as our latest international Golf Saudi ambassador and support our ongoing development,” said Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al-Sorour.

“Since his first visit in early 2020, we have kept in regular contact with Mr. Player and his interest in introducing golf to the younger members of Saudi Arabia’s population remains undimmed. Following his appointment as an official ambassador, we are looking forward to learning from his expertise and benefiting from his strong track record within the game to help us build a golfing ecosystem, which future generations can be proud of.”

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When even titleholder Graeme McDowell, a popular major champion, struggles for airtime, you know your field is seriously deep. Welcome then, to the 3rd Saudi International and the rise and rise of a Desert Swing juggernaut.

By Kent Gray
With the world No.1, golf’s very own human headline, seven of the world’s top 20 and a plethora of other drawcards besides, the 3rd Saudi International has satisfied its remit even before a ball has been hit at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

There is no guarantee Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and co. will turn up and turn it on (this is golf after all) but that they are turning up in King Abdullah Economic City at all means Golf Saudi’s ambition has been realised again. In spades.

Abu Dhabi has Rolex Series status and $8 million in prize money – more than double Saudi’s $3.5 million purse – in a $1 million increase on last season. Believe the whispers and it could even be co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour next January. Dubai, meanwhile, isn’t going to relinquish its hard-earned reputation as the “Major of the Middle East”, not with that roll call of champions to die for. You can’t buy history. But no one ever said Saudi had to fall in nicely behind its neighbours when it comes to Desert Swing pulling power.

Dustin Johnson at last year’s Saudi International. Ross Kinnaird

“As entries are finalised for our third Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers, we are very happy with our line-up of international star players as we are stronger in strength and depth than we have ever been,’ said Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al Sorour after unveiling Kevin Na, a PGA Tour winner for the fifth time just days earlier, as the event’s latest big-name signing.

RELATED: All you need to know about the three locals teeing it up in this week’s Saudi International

“Our vision is to grow golf across the Kingdom and make it both accessible and enjoyable to all Saudis. So by hosting prestigious tournaments such as these demonstrates that we are able to host the world’s best players as a means of inspiring the next generation of young Saudis and Saudi golfers.

“We are also delighted to have such strong support from all our event sponsors who share our vision in ensuring this tournament is one of the strongest events on the European Tour schedule. Thanks to the support of our partners, we are able to continue to support golf development in the Kingdom, while helping to support their work showcasing Saudi Arabia as a destination for international business development.”

In these pandemic times, spectators will be few and far between at Royal Greens. Luckily the TV product will be spectacular and globally alluring.

Photo by Kevin Murray

RELATED: Tame the 12th, stroke index 1, at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club

After his Sony Open victory, Na joined 2020 Masters champion Johnson, reigning U.S. Open champion DeChambeau, five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed and world No.18 Tony Finau in the field for the Feb. 4-7 event.

Sprinkle in the usual European Tour suspects – Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Paul Casey, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Bernd Wiesberger and Danny Willett, along with defending champion Graeme McDowell – and Saudi has a field that almost matches a WGC for global quality.

But wait, there’s more. How about Japan’s Takumi Kanaya, the former world amateur No.1 who turned professional in October and immediately underlined his potential by winning the Dunlop Phoenix Masters on the JGTO in only his fourth start as a professional. Or Akshay Bhatia, the 19-year-old American lefty who idolises the one and only “Lefty”, Mickelson.

RELATED: Japanese star Takumi Kanaya headlines impressive Saudi invitee list

Japanese star Takumi Kanaya. Gregory Shamus

Golf Saudi hasn’t forgotten its own with Othman Almulla, Saudi’s pioneering professional, and Saud Al Sharif, the Kingdom’s leading amateur, setting their sights on becoming the first player to make the weekend at their home open.

RELATED: Othman Almulla and Saud Al Sharif will again proudly fly the Saudi flag at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club

There’s even an intriguing amateur narrative with invites for Jordanian teen Shergo Kurdi and Spaniard Eduard Rousaud Sabate, the current world No.4.

“It feels right that we are also supporting so many young international players who look set to be the stars of tomorrow. We hope their experience of Saudi Arabia will be their first of many visits and they will be part of our journey in developing a vibrant and sustainable golfing nation.”

The only question that remains is which big name will join Johnson and McDowell on an honours board that might be new but is quickly making up for lost time with genuine quality.

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Jack Nicklaus designing new course for Saudi’s Qiddiya megacity

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But Golf Saudi were never going to rest on the laurels of a $3.5 million event, nor an impressive gaggle of PGA and European Tour stars alone to globalise their ambitious golf agenda, a central tenet of the Kingdom’s ‘Vision 2030’ socio-economic plan.

Enter stage left Jack Nicklaus. The 18-time major champion was unveiled Tuesday as the designer of a new private course set to break ground 40 minutes south-west of the capital Riyadh by the end of the year.

The championship course, Nicklaus Designs’ first in Saudi, will be part of an exclusive residential community/country club in the Qiddiya megaproject, entertainment, sports and the arts-centric city which began taking shape in 2019.

To be framed by the majestic Tuwaiq mountain range, the course is currently in the design.

An digitally enhanced artists impression of the new Nicklaus design in Saudi.

“To have the greatest-ever golfer commit to making his mark upon our developing golf landscape in Saudi Arabia and at a project as significant as Qiddiya gives us great pride,” said His Excellency Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation.

“To be part of the Nicklaus legacy will be something that we will always cherish, especially knowing the positive impact it will have on growing awareness of the sport at a domestic level, whilst increasing our national visibility as a vibrant new golf destination. We are looking forward to welcoming Mr. Nicklaus for his first visit to Saudi Arabia in the coming months.”

Nicklaus played the mutual appreciation game in a media release.

“To be selected as one of the first international designers to work in the Kingdom is a great honour,” Nicklaus said.

“I’ve already spent time looking at the topography of the land, images of the backdrop and terrain, and discussing with our design team a strategy for the course.  The design will fully integrate the natural environment and the beautiful Qiddiya landscape, bringing together green spaces and mountainous terrain to form a picturesque canvas for both a beautiful and challenging golf course.”

Construction began on the Qiddiya project in 2019 and the golf development will include a high-end resort hotel and spa, as well as exclusive residences.

The media release said the course would be “constructed to the highest standards with a view to hosting the most prestigious international championships in future years”.

“By being involved in this project, we hope to promote the development and enjoyment of the game in the Kingdom,” Nicklaus said. “We not only want to entice Saudi residents to take up the great game of golf, but we also hope this presents employment opportunities for citizens of the Kingdom that are within or related to the golf industry. This mirrors the vision of Qiddiya.”

The Nicklaus-designed course is the centrepiece of what has been positioned as the most exclusive golf residential community in the Kingdom A second course is set to be added with Qiddiyal “be seeking designers”.

“The underlying philosophy behind this entire development is to introduce a new, active lifestyle to the people of Saudi Arabia,” said Philippe Gas CEO of QIC.

“This project has been carefully planned to ensure an unmatched resort experience for both golfers and regular guests. We expect the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and residential offering to provide the most entertaining challenge for golfers and the most appealing homesteads for residents seeking an extraordinary lifestyle.”

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