Singapore: World number one Lydia Ko will grace the fairways of Laguna National Golf Resort Club for the first time next month when she headlines the opening event of the 2023 Aramco Team Series.

The first team event of its kind on any Tour, the Golf Saudi-backed Series that sees the world’s best players team up with amateurs will feature five US$1 million tournaments in 2023 with Florida, London, Hong Kong and Riyadh following Singapore on the schedule.

Part of the Ladies European Tour, the Aramco Team Series event at Laguna National (March 16-18) will also feature Danielle Kang.

“We are absolutely delighted to be holding such a prestigious tournament at our fabulous Masters Course,” said Kevin Kwee, Executive Director at Laguna National, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“To have a player of Lydia Ko’s calibre confirmed shows how strong an event it is going to be and excites everyone here at Laguna National, and beyond. The talent arriving for this event will be sure to inspire our future local and regional champions.

“As the host venue, we will ensure we provide all players, caddies, sponsors and fans with an unforgettable experience so they leave Laguna National Golf Resort Club with only incredible memories from the week.”

For 25-year-old Ko, not only will it be her maiden appearance at Laguna National, but also her first in the Aramco Team Series.

Ko, who claimed three LPGA Tour victories and nine other top-five finishes in 2022, said: “I am really looking forward to playing my first Aramco Team Series event in Singapore after hearing such good things from players on both the LPGA and LET.

“From the outside it seems like a really fun week to be a part of with both the team and individual elements to play for and the set up both on and off the golf course being outstanding.

“I am looking forward to teeing it up at Laguna National and being a part of a golf tournament that offers something completely different to the norm.”

Using a unique draft system, team captains will pick one pro team-mate, before being allocated a third via a random draw. Completing each team will be one amateur golfer.

As well as competing for the team trophy, the professionals will also vie for an individual title, offering Rolex Rankings and Solheim Cup ranking points, and will be part of the LET’s Race to Costa del Sol Official Rankings

Noah Ali Reza, newly-appointed CEO of Golf Saudi, is thrilled by the return of the Aramco Team Series and excited to be taking the tournament to a new venue.

He said: “The Aramco Team Series events have gone from strength to strength since their inception and provide an exceptional experience both on and off the golf course for the best female golfers in the world.

“It is exciting to be heading to a new venue in Laguna National Golf Resort Club. It looks an incredible venue, definitely befitting of an Aramco Team Series event and I hope that players and supporters alike have a great week.”

For the 2023 Series, London is the only host venue to return from last year. Singapore replaces Bangkok, Florida replaces New York, Hong Kong replaces Sotogrande and Riyadh replaces Jeddah.

“The aim of taking golf’s global series to new corners of the globe is to showcase the Aramco Team Series’ unique and innovative format to new audiences and to continue to grow golf, and specifically women’s golf, throughout the world,” said a spokesperson for Golf Saudi, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.