The Aramco Team Series changed the landscape of women’s golf when it debuted on the Ladies European Tour (LET) last year, with a new season kicking off today in Bangkok at the Thai Country Club.
Golf Saudi feels the expansion of the Aramco Team Series presented by the Public Investment Fund into Asia is yet another vital step in the organisation’s global growth and the development of the women’s game.
“The Asian expansion feels like another game-changer for us,” said Majed Al Sorour, the Deputy Chairman and CEO of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Arabian Golf Federation.
Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al Sorour in action in Bangkok
“It’s the first time Golf Saudi and our partners have hosted an event in Asia – one of the biggest growth market opportunities in golf. It’s a chance to create a new era for women’s golf and our growing partnership with the LET and Aramco.
“We have achieved incredible success to this point with the previous events, however our ambitions – in line with those of Vision 2030 – remain as bold as ever.”
Last February, the Public Investment Fund Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisors made its debut on the Asian Tour, presenting its strongest-ever field with the biggest names in global golf, alongside the top 30 ranked players of Asian golf, in a new era for the event.
The 10-year sanction of the Saudi International under the Asian Tour has helped generate new opportunities for Asian players across the globe, driven interest amongst Saudi residents and has grown the sport’s popularity throughout the country. Taking the Aramco Team Series into a new region with a huge interest in golf is another important milestone.
“We’re thrilled to be heading into a new market like Thailand and I have no doubt that the Aramco Team Series will push the boundaries and elevate women’s golf,” added Al Sorour.
“This year’s edition of the Aramco Team Series sees its total prize increase to US$5 million. It will give the players more opportunities to visit new countries and to test their game on different courses while competing with the world’s best. The Series will also provide more opportunities for the next generation to experience LET members, and of course, some of the world’s biggest names.”
Title partner Aramco has played a key role in supporting LET events in recent years, including the Aramco Team Series expansion to Asia for the first time.
“The importance of the expansion to the Asian market reflects Aramco’s commitment to the future of golf, and specifically, women’s golf,” said Talal Al Marri, General Manager of Public Affairs at Aramco.
“Sport has the power to enrich and enhance lives and fuel the dreams of the Kingdom’s youth – our most important resource. There’s a notable jump in the number of young players taking up the sport in the continent, and several Asian talents are reaching new heights in the global golf scene while competing at the highest level, especially in ladies golf.”
Aramco will continue to support women’s golf in every market on the Series through youth player initiatives and long-lasting legacy opportunities that will open the game for more participation.
“We’ve got a great platform and the ability to change lives for the better through golf and inspire more women and girls through the sport – both on and off the course. Our commitment reflects Aramco’s long-term objectives in female empowerment,” added Al Marri.
Thai Country Club plays host to the Aramco Team Series opener
The Aramco Team Series – Bangkok kicks off its 2022 tournament schedule on May 12-14, at the Thai Country Club. Other 2022 ATS venues include London at the Centurion Club, June 16-18; Sotogrande at La Reserva Club De Sotogrande, August 18-20; New York (venue to be announced), October 13-15; and concluding again at Jeddah’s Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, November 9-11.
A group of world-class golfers, led by Thai stars Patty Tavatanakit and sisters Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, will join a host of international stars as the Series tees off this week in Bangkok.
For more information, visit www.aramcoteamseries.com
