London, England: Golf Saudi is helping to drive generational growth around the world with its support and backing of women’s golf, said world number 41 Patty Tavatanakit as she prepared for this week’s PIF London Championship on the Ladies European Tour (LET).

The Thai star echoed the thoughts of some of the world’s leading players ahead of the third stop in the PIF Global Series at Centurion Club, when she hailed the impact made by Golf Saudi’s investment in and energetic promotion of the women’s game.

“For me, what they’re aiming for is generational growth. It’s bigger than just getting more players now. It’s definitely having a positive impact,” said Tavatanakit, who arrived in London after finishing in a tie for 63rd in the AIG Women’s Open last week in Wales.

“They’re building new golf courses and aiming to have, I think, 47,000 players in Saudi by 2030 – which is massive. For players like us, it’s exciting to see where the game is heading. If you think 20 or 30 years ago, the players seeing growth then were probably in the same shoes we’re in now. It’s a great opportunity for us and for the next generation.”

Golf Saudi’s goals include strengthening the golfing eco-system in the Kingdom with new courses, driving mass participation in the game and through golf promoting tourism to the increasingly popular destination.

Solheim Cup hero and Major winner Carlota Ciganda highlighted the launch this week of the Public Investment Fund’s Future Fairways project, a ground-breaking platform previewing three next generation golf courses – Shura Links, Trojena Northern and Laheq.

“We were in London on Tuesday night playing the future courses they’re building. It’s unbelievable – the investment, the plans, bringing new golfers into the sport. I’m very grateful and lucky to be a part of it,” said the Spaniard.

“I love playing these events. It’s amazing to see the changes happening, putting more sports into the country, and hopefully encouraging more women and golfers in general.” 

France’s Celine Boutier, another former Major winner and world number 17 also battling for the honours in England this week, said Golf Saudi’s impact had been fundamental in platforming women’s golf and introducing the sport to beginners.

She said: “They’ve been amazing for the Ladies European Tour, for women’s golf in general. The support we’ve been getting throughout the years with the tournaments and everything they’ve done for women’s golf has been very inspiring.

“Everything they’re aiming to do, even in Saudi Arabia with the golf courses they’re building and trying to get more golfers into the sport, has been super impressive.”

*Golf Saudi is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.