
Golf Saudi and Aon joined forces to empower women's golf at the PIF London Championship
The Series, part of the Ladies European Tour, features five tournaments across three continents with a combined prize pool of $13 million
Centurion Club, London: Golf Saudi confirmed that global professional services firm Aon sponsored the PIF London Championship, which took place at Centurion Club.
The support from Aon plc (NYSE: AON) as official partner for the event, which started on Friday and concluded on Sunday, underscored a shared purpose and global commitment with Golf Saudi to empower female athletes on the world stage.
The PIF London Championship, one of the premier events in the women's global golfing calendar, also provided a powerful platform for Aon to showcase its brand and expertise to an international audience.
The star-studded field in London featured world-class stars and rising talents, including Golf Saudi ambassadors Celine Boutier, currently ranked 17th in the world, Anne Van Dam of the Netherlands, and Denmark's Emily Pedersen, winner of the Saudi Ladies International in 2020. London was the third iconic stop in the PIF Global Series this season, following tournaments in Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
Spain's Carlota Ciganda, another Golf Saudi ambassador, also featured among the standout names. A Solheim Cup regular and eight-time LET winner, she arrived in strong form following her recent LPGA victory at the Meijer Classic and a season-ending win on home soil in Spain in 2024.
Julie Page, CEO for Aon's Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said: 'We are proud to support the advancement of women's golf on the world stage and help generate the visibility the sport deserves. Congratulations to all the inspirational women who took part.'
Aon and Golf Saudi shared a common purpose in aligning with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, seeking to not only elevate female athletes but diversify the economy, promote tourism, and enhance the quality of life through sports and entertainment.
Samer AlFayez, CEO for Aon in Saudi Arabia, said: 'This collaboration underscored our worldwide support of women's golf, but also our commitment to Vision 2030."
'We believe in the power of sport to inspire positive change and international engagement and look forward to contributing to Saudi Arabia's growing legacy in global golf and supporting the nation's transformation journey.'
Golf Saudi organises the prestigious line-up of tournaments in the PIF Global Series and delivers a range of engaging on-site activities and campaigns designed to inspire women and girls of all abilities to play, enjoy and explore the growing career opportunities within the sport. By opening up new pathways, Golf Saudi is helping to make golf more accessible and inclusive than ever before.
Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi said: 'This partnership with Aon reflected the kind of global collaboration that aligns with Golf Saudi's ambition to drive impact through sport. Women's golf is not just gaining momentum—it is defining a new era of growth, excellence, and opportunity. Through the PIF Global Series, and with committed partners like Aon, we are not only elevating the professional game, but creating pathways that connect Saudi Arabia's vision with global progress."
Dalya Katoah, Chief Marketing and Demand Officer at Golf Saudi, said: "Anchoring golf in Saudi Arabia is about more than building courses — it's about embedding the sport into our culture, creating pathways for local talent, and ensuring women's golf is a visible and celebrated part of our national story. Partnerships like this with Aon help us connect that vision to the global stage, showcasing Saudi Arabia as both a home for the game and a driver of its future."
For more information about the PIF London Championship, visit: www.pifglobalseries.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The National
36 minutes ago
- The National
Benjamin Sesko spearheads new-look attack: Man United 2025-26 season preview
The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend with a full schedule of fixtures running from Friday to Monday. Manchester United begin with a home clash with title-chasing Arsenal at Old Trafford as manager Ruben Amorim looks to improve on last season's dismal 15th-place finish. Prospects Amid the pre-season optimism that courses through most football fans right now, Manchester United fans are no different. Three big name, big money, first team forward signings have lifted the mood which was on the floor after May's abject Uefa Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. United couldn't score that night as they'd struggled to score in the Premier League all season. That's why the forward line needed improving and hopefully Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko will do just that. United are still trying to sign more reinforcements – specifically Brighton's box-to-box midfielder Carlos Baleba. Given Brighton's likely demands, that will be a difficult deal to conclude, but any midfield deficiencies could be exposed in Sunday's Old Trafford opener against Arsenal. The opening fixtures have not been kind, with games against Manchester City and Chelsea looming in the first five league fixtures. An away game to Fulham and a home match against promoted Burnley should at least given an indicator of where United are at following a positive pre-season. Whatever, United must improve significantly on last season's 15th place. Qualifying for European football via a high enough league position is a realistic target and the mood among players is more positive than it has been for years. And players are no longer in control at the (refurbished and much improved) Carrington training ground, with Amorim acting decisively to exclude the players he doesn't want in his plans. After a year of major changes, with hundreds of staff leaving, United are looking forward to less turbulent times. But they need to win games – pure and simple. There will no side attractions (or distractions) of European football, so it's all about the Premier League in the months ahead. Crucial months, especially for coach Amorim. First five fixtures Arsenal (H) Fulham (A) Burnley (H) Man City (A) Chelsea (H) Last five finishes 24/25: 15th 23/24: 8th 22/23: 3rd 21/22: 6th 20/21: 2nd The manager Ruben Amorim: A superb communicator who the fans really want – and indeed do – believe in, despite him presiding over most of United's worst season for 50 years. 'Ruben Amorim,' sing United's hardcore fans week after week. 'He'll bring the glory days again. We'll back him from the Stretford End; he'll turn the Reds around.' It's to the tune of Bonnie Tyler's It's a heartache (it certainly was last season) and it'll be sung again this season, but the dynamics have changed. He knows he was cut a lot of credit and support last season because he was taking over a team (and club) undergoing huge change. He has clear ideas and a clear vision. It's time for it to start looking like it could work. Star signing Benjamin Sesko: The most recent of United's three big summer signings, Sesko has long been a United target. United need goals after only 44 were scored in 38 games last season and while there was mitigation, the hardworking Rasmus Hojlund was anything but prolific. The Slovenian giant, 22, will cost €76.5 million plus €8.5 million in bonuses. He scored 21 goals and made six assists for RB Leipzig last season and has already been capped 41 times while scoring 16 goals for his country. 'Benjamin possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders making him one of the most exceptional young talents in world football,' said United's director of football Jason Wilcox. 'All our data analysis and research concluded he has the required qualities and personality to thrive at Manchester United.' Key player Bruno Fernandes: They tried to make him go to Riyadh and he said, no, no, no. United's best player by a mile. Captain, creator and one of the few providers of pleasure last season, his coach and teammates were pleased that he stayed. Player of the season and top scorer last term, he's now 30 and over five years into a United career that hasn't seen his team come close to mounting a title challenge. Last term he carried United, a lone beacon of hope amid the dross in '24-25. His leadership has moved up a few notches. He's so ridiculously important to this United, indispensable even. His departure would have left a huge hole. Subject to overly critical analysis, especially from people who don't watch United regularly failing to understand his role in the team. Hot prospect Leny Yoro: The 19-year-old swerved an offer from Real Madrid to join United in 2024 amid uncertainty around the manager Erik ten Hag and the playing squad. It wasn't ideal, nor was picking up a serious ankle injury pre-season in Los Angeles which kept him out until December 2024. Faster than the Eurostar train which used to pass his home in Lille, Yoro has settled but still has much to come. United had plenty of bad moments last season, but when the team went behind, he was not one of the players who let his head drop. His reactions, his resilience, hunger, ambition and courage impressed amid the acrimony of defeat after defeat. And all the time he was dealing with a new league, new country, new teammates and two new ways of playing under three different managers at United.


Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
MENA Golf Tour announces major 2025 relaunch in bid to boost regional golf
The MENA Golf Tour is set for a high-profile comeback this year, marking a significant boost for golf across the Middle East and North Africa region. Since its launch in 2011, the MENA Golf Tour has been a critical springboard for emerging golf professionals and amateurs, offering world-ranking points, competitive purses, and international exposure that have helped players from the Middle East and beyond break through to the game's top tours. After being abandoned for the entire 2018 season and enduring a stop-start return in 2020 that was cut short by the pandemic, the MENA Golf Tour is now poised for a full-scale comeback, aiming to reclaim its position as one of the Middle East's leading professional and amateur circuits and rebuild the momentum lost during years of disruption. Leading the Tour's resurgence is Keith Waters, former Chief Operating Officer of the DP World Tour and long-standing board member of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), who steps in as the new Chairman and Commissioner. Waters' appointment brings heavyweight experience to the only OWGR-recognised circuit headquartered in the Middle East. Now, with over four decades of top-tier golf administration, including his pivotal role in launching the OWGR in 2004, Waters is expected to drive the Tour into an ambitious new era. The 2025/2026 season will feature 12 events, opening in Portugal following a November Qualifying School for non-exempt players. Talks are underway with both the DP World Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour to create a formal development pathway, giving the MENA Golf Tour's top performers direct access to DP World Tour Qualifying School and the HotelPlanner Tour. Waters backs Tour revival 'I'm delighted to be involved in the relaunch of the MENA Golf Tour,' said Waters. 'This Tour has tremendous potential and serves as a crucial pathway for golfers, not just from the Middle East, but internationally. 'We have already seen success stories such as Robert MacIntyre, who progressed from the MENA Golf Tour to winning prestigious titles like the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA TOUR and the Genesis Scottish Open on the DP World Tour.' MacIntyre, now a two-time DP World Tour winner and sitting second on the European Ryder Cup ranking, paid tribute to the Tour's influence on his career. 'The MENA Golf Tour opened doors, taught me how to win, and prepared me for the challenges of the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR,' said the Scot. 'I'm excited to see it return and give the next generation of players the same opportunities I had.' OWGR status, prize hike Under Waters' leadership, the revitalised circuit will retain its OWGR eligibility while significantly increasing prize purses with each event. "We're pleased the MENA Golf Tour will remain an eligible Official World Golf Ranking tour as well as prize money of $100,000 per event," said Waters. "Each tournament will be contested over 54 holes, featuring a 36-hole cut to the top 60 players and ties, with the winner taking home $18,000." Rayhan Thomas is another standout product of the MENA Golf Tour's talent pipeline and proof of its reach beyond the region. The Indian golfer, who was born and raised in Dubai, made headlines in 2016 when, at just 16, he became the first amateur to win a MENA Golf Tour event, the Dubai Creek Open. The following year, he gained international attention by tying a world record with nine consecutive birdies during the same tournament.

The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Alexander Isak issue casts shadow over Magpies' strike plans: Newcastle United 2025-26 season preview:
Prospects It is safe to say that pre-season has not gone according to plan for Newcastle. After winning their first domestic trophy since 1955 and qualifying for the Uefa Champions League last season, hopes were high that the Magpies could kick-on with squad strengthening over the summer months. Instead, Newcastle have missed out on a number of top targets, including the likes of James Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko. Star striker Alexander Isak has downed tools as he looks to push through a move to Liverpool, while pre-season has seen the team go winless – losing four and drawing two. But there remains a strong squad at St James' Park and a top-class coach in Eddie Howe. Keeping centre-back Sven Botman fit will be vital, they have a powerhouse midfield trio in Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, as well as pace galore from Anthony Gordon and new signing Anthony Elanga. Solving the Isak issue one way or the other and bringing in fresh talent up front will be vital before the transfer window closes. Last five finishes 2024/25: 5th 2023/24: 7th 2022/23: 4th 2021/22: 11th 2020/21: 12th First five fixtures August 16: Aston Villa (A) August 25: Liverpool (H) August 30: Leeds United (A) September 13: Wolves (H) September 20: Bournemouth (A) The manager Eddie Howe: After Champions League qualification was sealed in May, Howe admitted there was 'a big summer' ahead for the club that had not made any major moves in three transfer windows due to Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) constraints. What transpired has been big for all the wrong reasons, led by Isak's sudden itchy feet, as well as numerous swings and misses in the transfer market that have left Howe with a squad currently well short of numbers needed to cope with the rigours of Champions League football. The arrivals of winger Elanga, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and defender Malick Thiaw are a start but additions to the central-midfield and centre-forward departments will be crucial if Howe is to have any hope of adding to last season's silverware. Whatever the trials and tribulations of the summer, Howe's popularity with supporters remains undiminished even if the Isak saga is presenting the Englishman with the biggest test of squad solidarity since his arrival on Tyneside in 2021. Star signing Anthony Elanga: The fleet-footed €61.4m signing from Nottingham Forest has solved Newcastle's need for competition on the right flank and has the pace to give members of the Premier League's left-back union serious headaches. Former Manchester United winger Elanga was an ever-present in Forest's successful 2024-25 season, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists to help the club qualify for European football. The 23-year-old's performance in the final pre-season game against Atletico Madrid impressed manager Howe. 'I thought he was a real threat,' he said. 'I think we'll see a real player that can make a difference and frighten the opposition.' Key player Sandro Tonali: The Italian midfielder stepped up a level last season as he put the misery of his ban for breaching gambling rules firmly in the past, establishing himself as one of the jewels in Newcastle's crown. Deceptively quick and strong on and off the ball, Tonali was outstanding in the number six playmaker role he adopted in the second half of last season, thriving alongside Brazilian duo Guimaraes and Joelinton. Howe called the adjustment in Tonali's position his 'single most important decision' of the campaign 'that helped us find a better balance'. The 25-year-old former AC Milan star will be a vital cog in the Newcastle machine as they embark in only their second Champions League campaign since 2004. Hot prospect Park Seung-soo: The 18-year-old South Korean winger only arrived from Suwon Samsung Bluewings in July and made an instant impression during Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia. The club's original plan was for Park's journey to involve the U-21s and then a potential loan move. But his performances have warranted a closer inspection with manager Howe saying he has been 'very impressed by his early contributions'. 'He has come into the group and he has really impressed in training as well as the games,' Howe said of last week's draw with Espanyol, which Park started and saw him given a standing ovation by the St James' Park crowd when taken off in the second half. 'He has done really well in his little cameos, he has taken on a lot of new information on. Credit to him he has done it all with a smile on his face. He has earned the right to stay with us … we will take it step by step.'