In the lush greens of Centurion Club, just outside the bustling heart of London, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is more than just another tick on the tour calendar; it’s a crucible where Olympic aspirations get a serious temperature check.
With the Paris Summer Olympics glimmering on the horizon, competitors from Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit to Denmark’s Emily Pedersen are tuning their games where the stakes are as high as the spirits.
Patty Tavatanakit, Thailand’s golfing star, is no stranger to victory’s embrace, especially after a stellar start this year that saw her clinching titles at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International and the Honda LPGA Thailand.
“It’s been a good year, and my game is heading in the right direction,” remarked Tavatanakit, reflecting on her journey from her major win at the 2021 ANA Inspiration to today.
Her recent triumphs, breaking a nearly three-year drought, have fortified her approach, teaching her to cherish the blueprint of success.
“I learned what worked… That’s my template now, so I have a good sense of what’s beneficial for me and what isn’t. I’m just moving forward, simplifying things.”
Meanwhile, Emily Pedersen, who snagged the inaugural Aramco Team Series trophy back in 2020, relishes the return to the team format.
“I’m a big fan of team golf,” Pedersen shares, her voice tinged with excitement.
“It’s different, and it’s always good to come back to Europe.” Her strategy this time around hinges on patience and precision, elements she admits were tested during her previous outings at the Centurion Club.
“I remember not hitting many fairways here last time, and it was tough for the amateurs.
It’s a great golf course, and you need to make some good putts and have strong tee shots to win.”
As the competition heats up, the absence of World No.1 Nelly Korda, sidelined by an unfortunate dog bite, opens the field to intense rivalry among 19 Olympic contenders, including British favourites Charley Hull and Georgia Hall.
Despite this, Tavatanakit’s eyes are not fixed on a third win this year but on soaking up the experience in the UK.
“I just walked the course and I feel like this will be a fun layout for the format as well,” she muses.
“I think we have six par-fives on the course, and I just want to have fun and enjoy being in the UK – playing in England and Scotland is always a delight for me.”
The Aramco Team Series, with its unique format featuring 36 teams each composed of three professionals and one amateur, spans two days of team competition followed by an additional day for individual glory.
For more details on this flagship event, be sure to visit www.aramcoteamseries.com.
