The capital Riyadh recently witnessed an extraordinary sporting activity as it hosted the 7th PIF Saudi Ladies International Championship hosted by Riyadh Golf Club. The tournament, which kicks off the 2026 Women’s European Tour (LET) season, is no longer just a sporting event, but a global platform that reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitions to empower women and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading global sports destination.
Highest number of records and awards
This year’s tournament is the largest on the Women’s European Tour, with a total prize pool of $5 million and achieving equal prize money with the men’s tournament, a pioneering step that will put Saudi golf at the forefront of the world. 120 elite athletes from around the world representing over 30 countries will compete.
A welcoming atmosphere…the scent of “Riyadh Golf Club”
This situation would not be complete without praising the impressive organization and logistics of Riyadh Golf Club. This year’s tournament was characterized by generous hospitality and reception that reflected authentic Saudi identity. A designated area was also provided for fans and media professionals to provide an integrated experience of food and entertainment activities, while specialized organizations facilitated the movement of fans and media professionals to ensure an enjoyable and smooth viewing of the competition.
Kelsey Bennett…kudos to Riyadh and outstanding sportsmanship
Among the celebrities this time was up-and-coming Australian athlete Kelsey Bennett, who expressed her great joy on her first visit to Saudi Arabia in an exclusive interview, saying: “I’m so excited to be here for the first time. I’ve always wanted to visit Saudi Arabia and I’m so happy to be a part of this event.”
Bennett’s presence wasn’t limited to her outstanding technical performance on the court (she finished 5 strokes under par in the first round).
Rather, she embodied the spirit of sport at its best through her interactions with the audience and a new generation of Saudi girls. In a kind humanitarian gesture, Bennett gave media personality Laila Al Jaber’s daughter a golf ball as a souvenir, reflecting the positive influence these heroines have as inspirational role models.
leadership and competition
Until the middle of the tournament, the competition for the top spots was fierce, with British woman Mimi Rose putting on an outstanding performance as she was pursued by the likes of Cassandra Alexander and Kiushi Iwai, leading to a breathtaking final match on the green fields of Riyadh.
The success of the PIF Saudi Women’s International Championship is a success for all Saudi women and a national ambition that goes beyond the stadium. We would like to thank the heads of this prestigious organization and congratulate them on hosting this international sporting event in Riyadh.
The capital, Riyadh, is currently experiencing an unusual sports movement with the 7th PIF Saudi Ladies International Championship hosted by the Riyadh Golf Club. The Championship, which kicks off the 2026 season of the Women’s European Tour (LET), is more than just a sporting event. It has been transformed into a global platform that reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s aspirations to empower women and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading global sports destination.
Record numbers and highest prizes
This year’s championship is the largest in the history of the Women’s European Tour, with a total prize pool of US$5 million, equaling the prize money of the men’s championship, and a pioneering step in putting Saudi golf at the forefront of the world. 120 players from the world’s elite rankings representing over 30 countries will take part.
A welcoming atmosphere…the essence of “Riyadh Golf Club”
We cannot tell this whole story without praising Riyadh Golf Club’s impressive organization and logistics. This year’s championships will feature hospitality and reception that reflects an authentic Saudi identity, with areas dedicated to fans and media offering a comprehensive experience of dining and entertainment activities, in addition to specialized organizations to facilitate the movement of fans and media, making watching the competitions enjoyable and seamless.
Kelsey Bennett…kudos to Riyadh and notable sportsmanship
Among the celebrities this time was up-and-coming Australian athlete Kelsey Bennett, who said in a special interview about her first visit to Saudi Arabia, “I’m so excited to be here for the first time. I’ve always wanted to visit Saudi Arabia, so I’m really happy to be able to be a part of this event.”
Her presence is not only due to her great performance on the course (she recorded a good result of 5 under in the first round).
But she also exemplified sportsmanship at its finest through her interactions with the audience and young Saudi girls. In a touching humanitarian act, Bennett gave media personality Leila Aljaber’s daughter a golf ball as a souvenir, reflecting the positive influence these champions leave behind as inspiring role models.
lead and compete
By mid-way through the championship, competition for the top spot had intensified, with British athlete Mimi Rose putting in an exceptional performance in strong competition from players such as Cassandra Alexander and Chiuji Iwai, setting the stage for a breathtaking finale on Riyadh’s green course.
The success of the PIF Saudi Ladies International Championship is a success for all Saudi women and a national ambition that goes beyond the boundaries of the course. We would like to thank the heads of this prestigious organization and congratulate Riyadh for hosting this global sports festival.
