By Kent Gray
Saudi Arabia’s historic LET double-header will be beamed to almost 350 million households across 60 countries but it is a curious domestic audience that most excites tournament organiser Golf Saudi.
Like last week’s Moonlight Classic in Dubai, the $1m Aramco Saudi Ladies International from Nov. 12-15 and $500,000 Saudi Ladies Team International from Nov. 17-19 will be played behind closed doors at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club due to COVID restrictions.
It means the events will rely on TV for exposure with 14 broadcasters across Europe, Americas, MENA, Asia and Australasia to show the back-to-back tournaments.
But for Golf Saudi and Saudi Golf Federation CEO Majed Al Sorour there is something even more significant happening at home; for the first time Saudi-held international women’s elite sporting competition will be beamed nationwide.
“Broadcasting the first women’s professional tournaments in Saudi Arabia across the world is another hugely significant milestone for golf in this country,” said Al Sorour.
Golf Saudi and Saudi Golf Federation CEO Majed Al Sorour.
“We would have loved spectators to attend again, but millions across the globe will have the chance to witness some of the best players on the planet from a world-class golfing venue. Thanks to the support of our broadcast partners and in-depth coverage and content across our social media channels we have a chance to show the world Saudi Arabia is open and transforming through this great sport – truly inspiring a new generation for years to come.”
KSA Sports and Dubai Sports Channel will each broadcast 21 hours of live coverage for the tournaments in King Abdullah Economic City.
A total of 108 players, including some of Europe’s elite players, will compete this week including for what is the third-largest purse on the LET this season after the British and Scottish Opens.
