With the biggest purse of the year outside the Majors and a star-studded field from around the globe, the PIF Saudi Ladies International will open the curtain on the 2026 Ladies European Tour (LET) schedule in style at Riyadh Golf Club from Feb 11-14.
The Golf Saudi-backed season opener and the first of five marquee PIF Global Series events spread across the LET’s global calendar, the PIF Saudi Ladies International has attracted a host of Major champions, 11 Golf Saudi Ambassadors and also sees Singapore’s Shannon Tan, the 2025 LET Order of Merit winner, make her 2026 competitive return.
More than a golf tournament, the event will be a festival of the sport. Central to this is Go Golf, Golf Saudi’s comprehensive development program designed to demystify the game for all ages. Through interactive clinics and “have-a-go” sessions, the initiative will introduce hundreds of beginners to the basics of the swing in a pressure-free environment.
Building on the momentum of 2025, which saw Jeeno Thitikul claim a historic victory with a record 16-under total, the 2026 edition features a field that elevates the event beyond a standard tour stop. The presence of world-class “powerhouses” from both the LET and LPGA reinforces the tournament’s position as a cornerstone of the international season.
Carlota Ciganda, Golf Saudi Ambassador and seven-time Solheim Cup star, said: “The PIF Global Series has been incredible for the game, from the level of competition to the venues and the way it supports women’s golf on a global scale. It’s something really special, and I’m genuinely excited to be playing at Riyadh Golf Club again.
“As the opening event on the LET calendar, the PIF Saudi Ladies International sets the tone for the season and provides an outstanding platform for us to compete at the highest level.”
Golf Saudi ambassadors will once again headline the season opener. They include former Major champion and 2024 winner Patty Tavatanakit, two-time winner in the Aramco Team Series Charley Hull and seven-time Solheim Cup star Carlota Ciganda.
The field also boasts multiple Major champions, including 2023 Amundi Evian Championship winner Céline Boutier and 2023 Women’s PGA Championship winner Danielle Kang.
The tournament also marks the return of Shannon Tan. Tan’s ascent to the top of the LET Order of Merit last year was punctuated by a late-season surge, where she secured two top five finishes in her final three starts to clinch the title in dramatic fashion.
Through strategic investments, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global hub for elite female athletes. By ensuring the champion of the PIF Saudi Ladies International receives the same prize fund as the winner of the men’s PIF Saudi International, Golf Saudi is delivering on its commitment to rewarding excellence equally across its flagship professional events.
This dedication to the elite level is mirrored by a commitment to the grassroots. To date, Golf Saudi has introduced over 50,000 women and girls to the sport through national school programs and club-based initiatives, ensuring the Go Golf clinics in Riyadh are a continuation of a proven growth strategy.
The US$5 million prize purse is a clear statement of intent, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in elevating women’s sports. Through the leadership of Golf Saudi, this event has become a cornerstone of the international sports calendar, proving that Riyadh is a new home for world-class competition.
As the season-opening event, the PIF Saudi Ladies International ensures that the 2026 journey for women’s golf begins in a city that is redefining the future of the sport.
