Aramco Golf
Lydia Ko repeats at Aramco Saudi Ladies International tournament
The 2021 champion narrowly held off India’s Aditi Ashok to finish 21 strokes under par and collect the title.
The women of the Ladies European Tour (LET) lit up the links for the fourth year at the Royal Greens Golf Club at the King Abdullah Economic City outside Jiddah.
The company was the title sponsor of the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, the third stop on the 2023 LET calendar. The company’s sponsorship demonstrates a strong commitment to encouraging healthy and active lifestyles across the Kingdom.
Hosted by Golf Saudi, the event strives to highlight the game as a way to encourage people to get outside, exercise, socialize outdoors, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
No. 1 Ko holds on for the win
Ranked No. 1 in the world, Lydia Ko of New Zealand became the first double winner of the tournament by carding scores of 64, 69, 66, and 68, finishing 21 shots under on the par 72 course. She narrowly bested Aditi Ashok of India — ranked 143 in the world — by a single stroke. Ko received the winning trophy from the Aramco senior vice president of Corporate Affairs Khalid K. Al-Mulhim.
Americans Alexis Thompson and Lillia Vu tied with Belgian Manon De Roey of Belgium for third. The American duo posted impressive rounds on Saturday, with Thompson firing off nine birdies to equal the course record 63. Meanwhile, Vu hit five birdies and an eagle to sit atop of the leaderboard going into the final Sunday round.
“It’s exciting to have been part of the history of this event, and I feel honored to be the 2023 champion,” said Ko. “And I’d like to thank Aramco for hosting another great championship.”
Aramco and golf
Since 2019, Aramco has played a strong role in showcasing professional golf in the Kingdom through our involvement with the two tournaments, as well as the Aramco Team Series.
It has been our pleasure to support the LET on this journey to inspire girls around the world to pursue their dreams and career objectives in golf.
— Abdulaziz M. Al Shalfan, manager (A) of the Aramco’s Media and Executive Communications Department
Fans can look forward to more exciting golf action coming up with the 2023 Aramco Team Series that kicks off in March in Singapore. The tour will also include stops in West Palm Beach, Florida, in May; London in July; Hong Kong in October; and culminate with the series finale being hosted for the first time at the Riyadh Golf Club in November.
How does the Aramco Team Series work?
The Aramco Team Series, launched in 2020, is the first team event series of its kind on any professional tour. Taking place across three continents, the tournaments will see the world’s best players team up with amateur golfers to compete for $1 million in prize funds.
Using a unique draft system, team captains will pick one pro teammate, before being allocated a third via a random draw. Completing each team will be one amateur golfer. As well as competing for the team trophy, the professionals will also vie for an individual title, offering Rolex Rankings and Solheim Cup ranking points.
Caption for top photo: Lydia Ko received the winning trophy from the Aramco senior vice president of Corporate Affairs Khalid K. Al-Mulhim. Held at Royal Greens outside of Jiddah, Ko fired a four-day score of 21 under par to narrowly edge out runner up Aditi Ashok of India.