Saudi Arabia is strengthening its commitment to women’s professional golf through a new initiative spearheaded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The sovereign wealth fund announced that it will become the title sponsor for five key tournaments on the Ladies European Tour, signaling a significant step in expanding its influence in global sports and promoting women’s athletic opportunities.
These five events, now rebranded as the PIF Global Series, will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Seoul, South Korea; London; Houston; and Shenzhen, China. While the financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, the total prize pool across all events will increase to $13 million. This marks a substantial investment aimed at elevating both the competitiveness and visibility of women’s golf on the international stage.
Each tournament in the PIF Global Series will feature a dual format that includes both team and individual competitions, offering a more dynamic experience for players and fans alike. The new structure aims to attract a wider audience and provide a richer platform for showcasing top-tier female golf talent.
Alanoud Althonayan, head of events and sponsorships at PIF, emphasized the fund’s long-term vision for empowering women in sports, noting that this initiative seeks to create a transformative impact by supporting athletes from grassroots to professional levels.
Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, welcomed the deepening partnership with PIF. She highlighted the role such sponsorship plays in enhancing the quality of the tour and increasing the range of opportunities available to players across the globe. The boost in prize money and the global reach of the new series are expected to attract stronger fields and deliver higher-quality competition.
Saudi Arabia has recently intensified its investment in various segments of international sports as part of its broader economic diversification strategy. While the country has faced criticism for its record on women’s rights, it has simultaneously made bold moves to increase support for female athletes. PIF’s recent investments include a partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and full funding of a maternity program that allows professional female players to take up to a year of paid leave.
The PIF Global Series will launch with the Aramco Korea Championship, set to begin this Friday in Seoul, marking the first event under this new banner and signaling Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in shaping the future of women’s sports.
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