Some of the world’s best players are finalising their preparations ahead of Aramco Team Series presented by Public Investment Fund – Riyadh, the fifth and final event of the 2023 series which finally gets underway at Riyadh Golf Club today. Individual and team titles are at stake in the first-ever professional women’s golf tournament to be hosted in the Saudi Arabian capital, with excitement, exhilaration and entertainment awaiting spectators as the sport’s biggest stars compete in the world’s most innovative format.
Amongst those vying for individual and team accolades is Lilia Vu. The American world No.2 has had a sensational season so far, winning two Major championships with victories in the Chevron Championship and AIG Women’s Open. Vu is hopeful of challenging in Riyadh and is enthused by the opportunity to play alongside others.
“Winning an Aramco Team Series event would be a great achievement and this is the aim,” she said. “I played in one earlier this year – it was a really fun event and it would be really cool to win. The team element is super fun. It’ something different and really makes golf feel like a team sport. It’s something I’ve not played a lot of, but team format is always fun; you’ve others to lean on and work alongside to help realize that goal of winning.”
Another looking forward to Aramco Team Series presented by Public Investment Fund – Riyadh is England’s Georgia Hall. The world No.18 has already experienced victory in this year’s series – at London’s Centurion Club in the team event – and is eyeing another impressive showing this weekend.
“It would mean a lot to win this week,” she said. “Winning the team series title for the first time in my home country was so much fun and particularly special. I’ve played in a few of these events now and I’d like to experience those feelings again.”
Hall, who has fond memories of Saudi having won the Aramco Saudi Ladies International in 2022, is also impressed by Riyadh Golf Club’s championship course ahead of teeing off on Friday. “I’m really used to playing at Royal Greens in Jeddah, so it’s nice to change it up,” she added. “The golf course looked in really good shape when I arrived. I managed to get out there today and hit a few balls. It’s in fabulous condition and I’m looking forward to it.”
Vu and Hall are two of several golfers who have also taken time away from the golf course since arriving in Riyadh. The duo joined world No.7 Minjee Lee, Maha Haddioui, Carlota Ciganda, and Pauline Roussin for an exclusive tour of Diriyah and the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif this past Tuesday – an opportunity for the players to experience Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage.
