SME-Coverage/ Abdullah Al-Harazi
The Saudi Aramco Women’s International Golf Championship, presented by the Public Investment Fund, will run from February 15-18, 2024, with star-studded participation from Solheim Cup champions and rising golf stars such as Lexi Thompson, Carlota Ciganda and Trishat Chenglap.
Saudi Aramco Women’s International Championship Awards
As Riyadh continues to become the cultural and sporting hub of the Kingdom, the Saudi Aramco Women’s International Golf Championship presented by the Public Investment Fund will appear for the first time in the capital, as the event is considered a qualitative leap at the level of international golf tournaments with prizes amounting to 5 million US dollars, which are the same prizes offered in the Saudi International Championship. Provided by the Public Investment Fund, which represents a milestone in the game of golf, and is considered the largest event that achieves pay parity between men’s and women’s competitions.
Lexi Thompson participating in the Saudi Aramco Women’s International Championship
Last year, the tournament witnessed dramatic events, as Lexi Thompson did not have the opportunity to lift the Aramco Saudi Women’s International Golf Championship trophy, which allowed her competitor, Lydia Ko, a two-time winner, to advance over Thompson to win the title, as the American finished T3, along with Lilia Vu and Manon De Roy.
Who is Lexi Thompson?
American Lexi Thompson is known as a strong competitor who plays under pressure, which put her under the spotlight at the early age of 12 when she became the youngest player to compete in the US Women’s Open, which will make her play in Riyadh with her eyes on the golf title in the Kingdom and her third European tour for women. (LET).
On this occasion, Lexi Thompson spoke about her return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and added: “The Saudi Aramco Women’s International Golf Championship is an important step forward in advancing this sport, not only in Saudi Arabia but on a global scale, and it is a pleasure for me to be part of an event that defends… Equality in golf prizes.
She continued: “My determination is stronger than ever to overcome what happened to me last year and secure my first title in Saudi Aramco for women, this time on a new path for me, and in a new city in Riyadh.”
Participants in the Saudi Aramco Women’s International Championship
In addition to Thompson’s participation, the tournament witnesses the participation of Solheim Cup stars, Carlota Ciganda, who witnessed unforgettable events in 2023, as she scored a T3 in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and achieved victory to return the Solheim Cup title to her homeland in Europe.
Back in October, Singada led her team to victory in the Aramco Team Championship Series Presented by the Public Investment Fund – Riyadh – and is now looking to add the first Aramco Saudi Women’s International Golf Championship trophy to her impressive collection, which includes the Aramco Team Championship Series Presented by the Public Investment Fund – Florida Singles Cup, with a focus on achieving more in 2024
Riyadh Golf Club
Carlota Ciganda said: ‘Riyadh Golf Club holds a special place in my heart, especially after leading my team to victory in the Aramco Team Series presented by the Public Investment Fund – Riyadh. Now, back on the field, I am eager to channel the same energy and my goal is to achieve another victory.
She added: ‘The continued equality in the value of prizes such as those offered in men’s tournaments is a testament to Golf Saudi’s commitment to raising the level of the game and advancing wage parity across the game of golf, and this paves the way for a future in which gender equality in golf is not just an aspiration but a reality, and I am proud. To be part of an event that advocates for equality in golf. ‘
Medal of Merit for 2023
Emerging Thai star Trishat Chenglap joins the roster after cementing her name on the LET in her first season on tour last year.
The Race to the Costa del Sol champion and 2023 Rookie of the Year will challenge the world’s best player in her first event at the Saudi Aramco Women’s International.
Trishat Chenglap, winner of the Order of Merit for the year 2023, said: “Joining the tournament is an honor, and I am excited to compete in this tournament for the first time. She added: ‘It is a prestigious event with a prize fund that moves the sport forward. I am here to make my mark, learn from the best, and contribute to the vibrant fabric of women’s golf in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Aramco Women’s International Golf Championship presented by the Public Investment Fund remains at the forefront of setting new standards in the world of golf, embodying the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to promoting growth and global recognition of women’s sports.
The fifth edition of the Saudi Aramco Women’s International Championship
It is noteworthy that the fifth edition of the Saudi Aramco Women’s International Championship is presented by the Public Investment Fund. The tournament is one of the most important international golf tournaments held under the umbrella of the Ladies European Tour, which will be held in the capital, Riyadh, for the first time! This event witnesses the participation of elite players and prominent talents from various countries of the world, competing in this global event with a total prize pool of 5 million US dollars in the period from 15 to 18 February 2024.
