England’s Charley Hull is back from injury and feeling fresh, looking to make the most of her month off time at home.
Looking to bring a fresh perspective into the Aramco Team Series Riyadh event, Hull who sustained a freak shoulder injury after slipping in the shower earlier in the year, is now back competing again, with her golf game back to the level she expects.
With more than a month without competing before returning to action last week in Malaysia, she has praised the opportunity to play golf with her friends and family at home as helping to keep her love for the sport.
“I just enjoy being out on the golf course, I find it quite therapeutic”, said Hull. “I actually enjoy playing golf at home more with my friends than I do on tour! It’s a lot faster. I just like hitting shots, and I just love golf, that’s what gets me out of bed.”
Hull, a Golf Saudi Ambassador, is no stranger to performing well at Riyadh Golf Club, having notched a tie for third back in February when the Aramco Saudi Ladies International was here.
“It’s a really nice golf course here, and it’s very scorable,” she continued. “It’s good for confidence too, because you can make those birdies out there. Last year, 29 under par for Alison [Lee] after three rounds… that’s pretty crazy. So yeah, I’m here trying to make those birdies.”
Alison Lee – LET
Solheim Cup star Alison Lee was in inspired form in 2023, with her score of 29-under-par equaling the record for the LET – the caveat being that she achieved this in just three days. The course set up will provide a sterner challenge, however, but this isn’t deterring Lee in her bid to retain her trophy.
“I’ve never really been able to win anything back-to-back, so to be able to get that opportunity this week, I’m really excited,” said Lee.
“I know it’s going to be pretty tough, though, and I think it’s playing a little differently this year. I noticed some of the tee boxes are put back a little bit, so will be playing a little longer.”
Lee, one of seven Golf Saudi Ambassador’s teeing it up this week, has seen how courses like Riyadh Golf Club have evolved since the growth of golf in Saudi Arabia, which has gone hand in hand with a surge in participation in women’s golf.
“In Saudi Arabia, we’ve played on some of the best courses, and during the first Saudi Ladies International Tournament, about 1,000 women joined the Ladies First Club, which has since tripled,” reflected Lee.
“While that number might seem small, it’s a significant growth from zero, highlighting the potential for further development in women’s sports and golf. There’s still so much more room for growth here, and it’s awesome to be a part of that.”
The global event series organised by Golf Saudi, which contributes $5m annually to the Ladies European Tour (LET) prize fund, is set to conclude in the Saudi Arabian capital this week – with action set to get underway on Thursday 31 October at Riyadh Golf Club, with the 28 teams, consisting of three professionals and one amateur, vying for the coveted team trophy.
Main Image: Julio Aguilar
