In her typical aggressive all-or-nothing style, Charley Hull carded a seven-under 65 in the final round of the $5 million PIF Saudi Ladies International to be crowned the champion of the Ladies European Tour (LET) season opener.
On Valentine’s Day, England’s rose proved her affection for Riyadh Golf Club once again – she has previously won here in 2024 and three further top 10s in the Saudi capital – scrambling through a packed field posting seven birdies and an eagle on the par five 12th courtesy of a 60ft putt.
The 29-year-old, who now has five LET wins to her name, had a nervy wait after holing a birdie putt on her 72nd hole of the week to post the clubhouse lead in the first PIF Global Series event of the year.
Clutching the trophy, Hull said: “I feel great, and I love this golf course, and I like how it’s really matured over the years. It’s getting trickier each year. The grass is getting thicker, and I just really like it. It was a good challenge.
“I’ve worked really hard this off-season, so it’s nice to see results straight away. It’s one of the bigger events on the LET, and it feels like a home event for me because I’m a Golf Saudi ambassador. So it’s really special to win for my sponsors.”
South Africa’s Casandra Alexander made her own back-nine charge for the title, birdieing four out of a five-hole stretch between 11-15; but a bogey on the par three 17th left the 26-year-old, who contested a Sunshine Tour playoff just last week, needing a birdie to force another one but the crucial putt missed its mark, finishing runner-up for the second week in a row alongside Japan’s Akie Iwai.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda made a consistent start to the season with an opening round of 67 followed by three 68s to tie for fourth with third round co-leader Hye-Jin Choi, from Korea.
England’s prodigious Mimi Rhodes who led the field after the first two rounds but lost ground with a score of level par yesterday, rallied today with a convincing five-under par 67 to finish joint sixth.
A total of 775 CSR participants from a diverse range of prestigious institutions in the Kingdom, including Al Faris International School, Quality Schools, Wagt Altaalm School, Ibn Rashd School, Downe House School, Ibn Khaldoon, and Al Namothgya, joined forces to support this milestone event. Their involvement, alongside the Cancer Survivor Charity, Ensan Orphanage, and the Make Their Wish Charity, underscores a collective commitment to community impact.
By engaging the next generation through these partnerships, the event continues to support the foundations of grassroots golf within the Kingdom, turning local enthusiasm and curiosity, into a lasting sporting legacy and awareness.
The PIF Global Series heads to Las Vegas for its second stop, making a historic West Coast debut. This event signals the first time both the PIF Global Series, and the Aramco Championship will be hosted in the region, bringing elite-level competition to one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment destinations. Scheduled from April 2–5, the tournament will see players competing for a prestigious $4 million prize fund.
For more information on the PIF Global Series and the upcoming Aramco Championship please visit: www.pifglobalseries.com