What's Happening?
Golf Saudi has announced a significant restructuring of its involvement with the Ladies European Tour (LET), discontinuing the five-event PIF Global Series after 2026. Instead, Saudi Arabia will concentrate its efforts on a single, major championship,
which will be known as 'The Championship.' This new event will be co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET, featuring a $4 million purse, matching the prize money of the previously held Aramco Championship in Las Vegas. The Championship is scheduled to take place the week of July 19, preceding the AIG Women's British Open, and will effectively replace the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open on the calendar. LET officials and IMG are working to find a new date for the Scottish Open, which will no longer be sanctioned by the LPGA.
Why It's Important?
This strategic shift by Golf Saudi has substantial implications for women's professional golf, particularly for the Ladies European Tour. The PIF Global Series, which comprised five events and contributed over half of the LET's total prize funds, was a significant financial backer. Its discontinuation means the LET will lose a substantial portion of its funding and playing opportunities, posing a challenge for the tour's future stability and growth. However, the creation of a single, high-profile 'The Championship' with a $4 million purse and co-sanctioning by the LPGA and LET could elevate the prestige and competitive level of this specific event. This move reflects a broader trend of consolidation and strategic investment in golf, aiming to create marquee events that attract top talent and global viewership, while potentially leaving smaller events vulnerable.
What's Next?
LET CEO Tom Phillips faces the immediate challenge of rebuilding the tour's schedule and securing new funding sources to compensate for the loss of the PIF Global Series. The 2027 LET schedule has yet to be released, and finding a new date and potentially new sponsors for the Scottish Open will be a priority. The newly established 'The Championship' will debut in July 2027, and its success will be crucial for Golf Saudi's continued influence in women's golf. Golf Saudi also announced a multi-year sponsorship of a season-long points race with an undisclosed bonus for the winner, indicating a continued, albeit refocused, commitment to women's golf development. The long-term impact on player opportunities and the overall health of the LET will depend on how effectively these changes are managed and new partnerships are forged.
Beyond the Headlines
This decision by Golf Saudi highlights the evolving landscape of professional golf, where significant financial backing from sovereign wealth funds is reshaping tour structures. The move to consolidate resources into a single, high-stakes event suggests a strategy to maximize impact and visibility, potentially at the expense of broader tour development. This raises questions about the sustainability of tours heavily reliant on external funding and the balance between creating elite events and fostering a robust pathway for emerging talent. Furthermore, the emphasis on women's golf by Saudi Arabia, as articulated by Abeer AlJohani, vice president of the Saudi Golf Federation Office, underscores a broader national ambition to promote women's participation in sports and align with Vision 2030 goals, despite the controversy surrounding the source of funding and its implications for sports washing.
