Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: With the biggest purse of the year outside the Majors and a star-studded field, the US$5 million PIF Saudi Ladies International is primed to open the curtain on the 2026 Ladies European Tour (LET) schedule in style.

The Golf Saudi-backed season-opener and the first of five marquee PIF Global Series events spread across the LET’s global calendar, the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club from February 11-14 has attracted a host of Major champions, 11 Golf Saudi Ambassadors and also sees Singapore’s Shannon Tan, the 2025 LET Order of Merit winner, make her 2026 competitive return.

More than a golf tournament, the event will be a festival of the sport. Central to this is Go Golf, Golf Saudi’s comprehensive development programme designed to demystify the game for all ages. Through interactive clinics and ‘have-a-go’ sessions, the initiative will introduce hundreds of beginners to the basics of the swing in a pressure-free environment.

Building on the momentum of 2025, which saw Jeeno Thitikul claim victory with a record 16-under total, the 2026 edition features a field that includes world-class powerhouses from both the LET and LPGA, reinforcing the tournament’s position as a cornerstone of the international season.

Carlota Ciganda, Golf Saudi Ambassador and seven-time Solheim Cup star, said: “The PIF Global Series has been incredible for the game, from the level of competition to the venues and the way it supports women’s golf on a global scale. It’s something really special, and I’m excited to be playing at Riyadh Golf Club again.

“As the opening event on the LET calendar, the PIF Saudi Ladies International sets the tone for the season and provides an outstanding platform for us to compete at the highest level.”

As well as Golf Saudi ambassadors Ciganda, England’s Charley Hull and Thai Patty Tavatanakit the field boasts multiple Major champions, including 2023 Amundi Evian Championship winner Céline Boutier and 2023 Women’s PGA Championship winner Danielle Kang.

The tournament also marks the return of Singaporean Tan, who’s ascent to the top of the LET Order of Merit last year was punctuated by a late-season surge, where she secured two top-five finishes in her final three starts to clinch the title in dramatic fashion.

Through strategic investments, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global hub for elite female athletes. By ensuring the champion of the PIF Saudi Ladies International receives the same prize fund as the winner of the men’s PIF Saudi International, Golf Saudi is delivering on its commitment to rewarding excellence equally across its flagship professional events.

This dedication to the elite level is mirrored by a commitment to the grass-roots. To date, Golf Saudi has introduced over 50,000 women and girls to the sport through national school programmes and club-based initiatives, ensuring the Go Golf clinics in Riyadh are a continuation of a proven growth strategy.

*Golf Saudi is a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.