Team Lee crowned champions at PIF Saudi Ladies in a dramatic finish that would make even the seasoned veterans blush.
With a pair of exquisite birdies on the final hole, captain Somi Lee and fellow Korean star Minsun Lee sealed their place in golf history alongside France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s Amy Taylor.
Each member pockets a cool $35,000, but Somi believes she’s come away with something far richer.
“I’m so happy! I’ve met great friends and great players. Golf is usually an individual sport, but being able to play as a team made me feel more relaxed and comfortable. This win will definitely give me a boost to start the year.”
Introduced this year, the team format was designed to crank up the excitement and spread the wealth of the tournament’s record-breaking $5 million prize fund.
Judging by today’s grandstand finale, it delivered—and then some. Stephanie Kyriacou’s fourball needed a birdie-birdie finish of their own to force a tie, only to fall agonizingly short and settle for second.
Teams led by Esther Henseleit and Linn Grant rounded out the top three on -31.
Just to add a little more sizzle, Team Lee being crowned champions wasn’t the only big headline of the day.
In the individual race, Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul rocketed into a three-shot lead with a near-flawless eight-under-par round.
Sitting three back, captain Somi Lee is still basking in the glow of her team victory but remains firmly in contention, tied for second with England’s Annabell Fuller.
A bundle of serious contenders lurk within five shots—so don’t count on it being a Sunday stroll for the Thai star, who chases her 17th professional victory.
“It [the team event] definitely helped. Playing with a Thai player [Pornanong Phatlum] on my team helped and you try to do your best individually because if you play well the team benefits too.”
As if top-notch golf wasn’t enough, pop sensation Jason Derulo is set to dazzle the crowds this evening at Riyadh Golf Club.
Known for his support of women’s sports—including part-ownership of a professional netball team—Derulo is ready to light up the night.
“Tonight is going to be a huge party! I’ve brought some amazing dancers and we’re going to be singing all the hits!”
Derulo added: “Riyadh is incredible. I think the development here is unmatched around the world. It’s becoming one of the premier places on planet Earth.”
All eyes now turn to tomorrow’s final round, where the top 60 and ties will battle it out for individual honours.
After today’s fireworks, you’d be wise not to miss a single stroke. The PIF Saudi Ladies International may be crowning just one individual champion, but if the last two days are any measure, there’ll be more thrills than an amusement park in monsoon season.
Grab your popcorn—this finale looks set to be a doozy.
