Global Golf Stars Gear Up for Fierce Showdown at Saudi PIF Women's Championship
The world of golf gears up for a significant showdown as the Saudi International Women's Public Investment Fund (PIF) Championship kicks off. This prestigious event will take place between 13-15 February at the Riyadh Golf Club, spotlighting women's golf's rising global stature.
During the championship's press conference, world No. 11 Charley Hull asserted her ambitions extend beyond titles, emphasizing fitness and competitive improvement. The English star aims to shave six minutes off her 5km run time by year-end, targeting 20 minutes. 'Fitness boosts my mental health and on-course performance,' she said, emphasizing her holistic athletic approach.
Moreover, Hull mentioned, 'I train to be a complete athlete, not just a golfer. Physical fitness significantly influences my mental well-being.' Moreover, she described fitness as a hobby that also enhances her performance on the course.
As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight shines on Hull's performance and the fierce competition among global players. This event underscores the growing prominence of women's golf worldwide.
Team Format Sparks Excitement and Aggressive Play
This year's event features 28 teams, each with four professionals, counting the two best scores per hole. Hull praised the format: 'More birdie chances will make matches thrilling.'
The championship mirrors the men's prize pool, a milestone for gender equality in sports. Hull applauded the move: 'Equal rewards reflect growing respect for women's talent and competitive rigor.'
Yin Embraces Challenge Amidst Riyadh's Winds
World No. 3 Ruoning Yin, making her Saudi debut, praised Riyadh Golf Club's layout but noted wind challenges. 'Great play brings birdie chances, though wind tests skills,' she said, dismissing pressure: 'I'm here to enjoy the game.'
American star Danielle Kang praised the team format, comparing it to the men's LIV Golf vibe. Partnered with Yin, she said, 'She's like a sister—her energy lifts my performance.'
Hull expressed excitement about reuniting with rivals like Chiara Noja and Maria Fassi. 'Shared experiences enhance camaraderie and fun,' she added, highlighting the event's unique blend of rivalry and rapport.
A Historic Moment for Women's Golf
As the Saudi International Women's PIF Championship begins, global golf stars prepare for thrilling competition. This groundbreaking event solidifies women's golf's stature, featuring historic prize money that empowers athletes and opens new avenues for the future.
With groundbreaking prizes, innovative formats, and elite talent, the Saudi PIF Championship cements its status as a pivotal platform for women's golf, driving global recognition and future opportunities.
Short link :
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal Fly Asian Standard at Club World Cup
Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal will be the standard bearers for Asian football at the revamped Club World Cup after appointing Simone Inzaghi to coach a squad bristling with playing talent from the Kingdom and around the world. Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have all joined Saudi captain Salem Al-Dawsari at the Riyadh-based club since it received major investment from the nation's Public Investment Fund. Former Inter Milan coach Inzaghi takes over a squad that fell short of their lofty standards by failing to win a fifth Asian Champions League title in May, a misstep that cost Jorge Jesus the chance to lead the team to the Club World Cup. While Al-Hilal head to the tournament with ambitions of making a big impact in a group also featuring Real Madrid, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg, the expectations for Asia's three other clubs are likely to be more modest. Emirati side Al-Ain won the 2024 Asian Champions League to secure their berth but have endured a dismal 13 months since, and the defense of their continental title ended in ignominy with no wins from eight matches. Hernan Crespo, who had led the club to their second Asian title, paid the price in November but his replacement Leonardo Jardim lasted only two months before Serbian Vladimir Ivic was drafted in to try to stop the rot. Togolese striker Kodjo Laba, who was top scorer in the UAE Pro League last season, and Moroccan winger Soufiane Rahimi will be Al-Ain's biggest attacking threats when they take on Manchester City, Juventus and Wydad in the group stage. At least one Asian team will go into the competition in decent form with Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds showing improved domestic performances under Maciej Skorza. The Pole led Urawa to the Asian Champions League title in 2023, five months after replacing Ricardo Rodriguez, only to leave at the end of that season for personal reasons. He returned in late 2024 and has developed a side that are contenders to win the for the first time since their sole title in 2006. Former Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi has returned to Urawa after a decade in Germany to lead the club's resurgence alongside the experienced Takahiro Sekine, who was instrumental in the club's Asian Champions League wins in 2017 and 2022. Urawa have been drawn with River Plate, Inter Milan and Monterrey at the Club World Cup. South Korea's Ulsan HD will be playing in the competition for the third time after featuring in the earlier iteration in 2012 and 2020. Kim Pan-gon's side qualified due to the club's record in Asian competition over the last four years, during which Ulsan reach the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League in 2021 and 2023. Both of those runs, though, were achieved under former coach Hong Myung-bo, now the South Korea national team boss, with the team's performances becoming more inconsistent after Kim's arrival last summer. The former Malaysia coach took over with minimal exposure to top-level club football and his side, who will play Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns in Group F, face a stiff challenge to make a positive impact in the United States. Jung Woo-young played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and brings stability to the Ulsan midfield, while goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo played a key role as South Korea eliminated world champions Germany in 2018.
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 days ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi PIF Partners with FIFA for 2025 Club World Cup
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and world football association FIFA have announced PIF as an official partner of FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. The partnership reflects the shared vision of FIFA and PIF to enable greater participation in sports by unlocking new opportunities, fostering innovation, and engaging fans around the world. With a focus on youth, the partnership will provide opportunities for young people, supporting FIFA in its efforts to engage and inspire at a grassroots level. The new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a fresh chapter for professional club football on the global stage. It will feature 32 of the world's top football clubs, bringing together champions from all six FIFA confederations for a month-long tournament in 11 cities across the United States. Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia and globally. The Saudi public will follow the tournament, where Al-Hilal Club participates as a representative of the Asian continent. 'We are delighted to welcome PIF as a partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™,' said FIFA chief business officer Romy Gai. 'Together, we look forward to delivering a historic tournament that inspires and unites fans from around the world.' 'The partners of the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup believe in our vision to make football truly global. Their support of the tournament will not only be integral to its success but will underpin investment in supporting the development of club football everywhere,' Gai said. PIF head of corporate brand Mohammed AlSayyad said: 'PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities.' 'PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our CONCACAF partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world,' AlSayyad said. Football plays a crucial role in the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia, and as host of the FIFA World Cup 2034, reinforces the country's ambition to grow the game globally, create new opportunities for all, and extend its benefits in Saudi Arabia and every part of the world for generations to come. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be played in 12 stadiums across 11 US host cities. The 63-match tournament will culminate with what promises to be a spectacular final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside of New York City, on July 13, when the FIFA club world champion will be crowned.
Al Arabiya
6 days ago
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's PIF partners with FIFA for 2025 Club World Cup
A week before the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup begins, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed on as an official partner of the monthlong tournament that takes place at stadiums across the United States. PIF, the Kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, makes this move partially in preparation for Saudi Arabia's role as host of the 2034 World Cup. For more Saudi sports news, visit our dedicated page. 'PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities,' PIF head of corporate brand Mohammed Al-Sayyad said in a statement. 'PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our CONCACAF partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world.' The FIFA Club World Cup features some of the most prominent clubs from leagues all over the world. The competition begins Saturday, June 14, with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami (MLS) hosting Egyptian club Al Ahly FC, which has won three recent CAF Champions League titles. According to the Opta Power Rankings, the top five clubs in the tournament are Paris Saint-Germain (France), Manchester City (England), Bayern Munich (Germany), Inter Milan (Italy) and Real Madrid (Spain). Group play begins Saturday and carries through June 26. The knockout rounds begin June 28 with the championship match slated for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
