Shenzhen, China: Celine Boutier claimed top honours as the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF’s first Shenzhen visit was hailed a success.

Frenchwoman Boutier withstood a concerted challenge from China’s Olympic medallist Lin Xiyu before emerging triumphant at Mission Hills China.

“What an incredible show of golf we experienced this weekend at the Aramco Team Series’ first visit to Shenzhen,” said Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“On behalf of the Golf Saudi team, we extend a heartfelt congratulations to our exceptional winners, who continue to raise the standard of excellence in golf, inspiring players and fans worldwide,” he added.

Introduced by Golf Saudi in 2021, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF comprises five US$1 million events played over the course of the Ladies European Tour season.

With four players crowned champions at each tournament – three from the team element, plus an individual winner – the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF has already welcomed more than 50 players into its winners’ circle, together sharing more than US$20 million in prize money.

The Series will take to the Saudi Arabian capital from October 31-November 2 as 28 teams have one more chance to put themselves on the map for the 2024 season of the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF.

At Mission Hills, it was Boutier who prevailed after a stunning closing bogey-free seven-under-par round for an aggregate of 19-under-par.

Reflecting on her first win of 2024, Boutier said: “It was a great (final) round. It was close with Janet [Lin Xiyu] the whole day. One or two shots can swing pretty fast, so you definitely have to be on your toes until the end. I’m super happy with the way I played the last few holes.”

In what was her first home event since winning the bronze medal in the women’s golf tournament in Paris in August, Lin attracted large crowds, eager to support their hometown hero.

She said: “Celine played unbelievably. A seven-under round and bogey-free is hard to beat, especially when my putter is not on. I came up just short, but hearing the crowds cheering for me was pretty unbelievable.”