Saturday, February 15, 2025
Team Lee has etched its name in history by becoming the inaugural team champions of the PIF Saudi Ladies International, clinching victory with spectacular birdies on the final hole by captain Somi Lee and fellow Korean Minsun Lee.
The team, which also included France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s Amy Taylor, will each take home $35,000. However, Somi Lee revealed that she gained something far more meaningful than the prize money during the tournament.
The 26-year-old said: “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.”
This year, the tournament introduced a team format to add excitement and provide competitors with more chances to claim a share of the historic $5 million prize fund at Saudi’s premier women’s golf event.
The format delivered in dramatic fashion. Stephanie Kyriacou’s fourball chased Team Lee down to the final hole but fell short, needing two birdies to tie and ultimately finishing solo second.
Teams led by Esther Henseleit and Sweden’s Linn Grant tied for third at -31.
In the individual standings, Jeeno Thitikul surged into a commanding three-shot lead after delivering a near-flawless round of eight under par.
The Thai player, who will be seeking her 17th professional victory tomorrow, reflected on how the team format had aided her individual performance. She said: “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.”
The 21-year-old faces tough competition heading into the final round, with England’s Annabell Fuller and team champion Somi Lee tied for second at 10 under par, just one shot ahead of Chiara Tamburlini and Emma Spitz. An additional nine players are within five shots of the overnight leader, keeping the race wide open.
Adding to the excitement, Riyadh Golf Club will host multi-platinum artist Jason Derulo tonight. The American singer-songwriter, a vocal advocate for women’s sports and co-owner of the Omaha Supernovas netball team, will headline the evening’s entertainment.
About his upcoming set he commented: “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.”
The PIF Saudi Ladies International wraps up tomorrow with the final round, featuring the top 60 players and ties.
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