This year’s Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF boasts a star-studded field of Major winners, Solheim Cup heroes, and golf’s rising stars as Lexi Thompson, Carlota Ciganda and Trichat Cheenglab top the billing.

As Riyadh continues to become the Kingdom’s cultural and sporting hub, the Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF will make its debut in the capital. The event continues to set the standard globally with a prize purse of USD 5 million, which equals the payout of the men’s PIF Saudi International. This marks a significant milestone in golf, as it stands as the largest event to achieve pay parity between the men’s and women’s equivalent competitions.

Major winner Lexi Thompson narrowly missed out on the chance to lift the Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF trophy in 2023. Two-time Major winner, Lydia Ko, finished two shots ahead of Thompson to seal the title as the American finished tied third, alongside Lilia Vu and Manon De Roey.

American Lexi Thompson heads the field at Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF

No stranger to performing under pressure, Thompson was thrust into the limelight at just 12 years old, when she became the youngest player to compete in the US Women’s Open. The American will tee it up in Riyadh with her eyes set on the Kingdom’s most prestigious women’s golf title, and her third Ladies European Tour (LET) win.

On returning to Saudi Arabia, Thompson remarked: “The Aramco Saudi Ladies International signifies a significant step forward in advancing the sport, not just in Saudi Arabia but on a global scale, and it’s a privilege to be part of an event that advocates for equal prize funds in golf.

“My determination is stronger than ever to exceed my 2023 finish and secure my first Aramco Saudi Ladies International title, this time at a new course for me, and a new city in Riyadh.”

Thompson will be joined in the field by Solheim Cup rival, Carlota Ciganda, the Spanish sensation who had an unforgettable 2023, recording a tie for third in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and sinking the winning putt in her home country to retain the Solheim Cup title for Team Europe.

Golf Saudi ambassador Carlota Ciganda looks to replicate her previous triumph at Riyadh Golf Club

Back in October, Ciganda led her team to victory at the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Riyadh with a staggering 43 under par at Riyadh Golf Club and is now looking to add a first Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF trophy to her impressive collection, which includes the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Florida individual trophy.

With an eye on achieving even more in 2024, Ciganda said: “Riyadh Golf Club holds a special place in my heart, especially after leading my team to victory at the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Riyadh.  Now, stepping back onto this course, I’m eager to channel that same energy and aim for another triumph.

“The continued prize fund equality with the men’s event is a testament to Golf Saudi’s commitment to elevating the game and driving pay parity across golf. This sets the stage for a future where gender equality in golf is not just an aspiration but a reality, and I am proud to be part of an event that advocates for equality in golf.”

The LET OOM winner Trichat Cheenglab is making her debut at Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF

Emerging Thai star, Trichat Cheenglab, joins the events roster after cementing her name on the LET in her first season on the Tour last year. The Race to Costa del Sol champion and Rookie of the Year 2023 will challenge the world’s best at her first Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF event.

Cheenglab, the 2023 LET Order of Merit winner, expressed: “Joining the lineup is an honour, and I am excited to compete at my first Aramco Saudi Ladies International. It’s a prestigious event with a prize fund that is driving conversations in sport forwards. I am here to make my mark, learn from the best, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of women’s golf in Saudi Arabia.”   

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by PIF remains at the forefront of setting new benchmarks in the golf world, exemplifying Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to fostering the growth and global recognition of women’s sports. The stage is set for the sport’s best to engage in a fierce competition to claim the historic prize purse.

Images: LET