Houston, Texas, United States: There wasn’t just a smile on the face of triumphant Aramco Houston Championship golfer Nuria Iturrioz earlier this month.

While the buoyant Spaniard celebrated victory in the penultimate PIF Global Series event of the season, hundreds of local fans and newcomers to the game were treated to a week to remember by the range of activities staged by event organiser Golf Saudi at the Golfcrest Country Club in Texas.

The PIF Global Series tournament, one of the premier events on the Ladies European Tour, was visiting Texas for the first time and it left abiding memories for all involved.

One of Golf Saudi’s driving objectives is to grow the global game and give access to a sport that often puts up barriers to those eager to take to the fairways and greens. Yet the driving range and practice areas at Golfcrest Country Club were a sea of colour and fun as hundreds took up the chance in one of many clinics on offer.

And it wasn’t just the chance to play, but also the opportunity to hear of the many career opportunities golf offers and some 240 girls, guests of the Muslim Golf Association (MGA), took part in Sustained Futures discussion sessions and talks to hear about the wide range of skillsets promoted by involvement in the sport.

In addition to the MGA contingent, some 55 players took part in Go Golf clinics, receiving expert advice and insight from Golf Saudi’s coaches.

A group of 30 girls attended as guests of Girls Inc Houston, a non-profit organisation with the goal of empowering and inspiring girls and young women in Houston, and also took part in the clinics.

Another 30 golfers from First Tee Houston, a programme of the Houston Golf Association that seeks to empower kids and teens, also were on hand to discover the game.

Golf Saudi also left Houston a touch greener. In an initiative in partnership with the Trees for Houston non-profit organisation, five trees were gifted to the local community for every birdie scored at the par-five 14th hole.

The field of 104 golfers duly did their bit, peppering the 14th with so many birdies and eagles that some 600 trees will now be planted across the State.

The PIF Global Series moves to Mission Hills China from November 6-8 and further activations will again bring the game to new audiences.

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