• 14 February 2025
• -
• 3 minutes read

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [February 14, 2025] – Team Lee has made history becoming the first team champions of the PIF Saudi Ladies International following stunning closing birdies from captain Somi Lee and fellow Korean Minsun Lee on the final hole.

While the team – completed by France’s Nastasia Nadaud and Amy Taylor from England – will each take $35,000, Somi Lee said she had found something more valuable this week.

The 26-year-old said: “I’m so happy! I’ve met great friends and great players. Golf is usually an individual sport, but being able to play as a team made me feel more relaxed and comfortable. This win will definitely give me a boost to start the year.”

The team format was introduced to the tournament this year to heighten the drama and increase the opportunities for competitors to capture some of the historic $5 million prize fund on offer at Saudi’s flagship women’s golf event.

It more than delivered that today.

Stephanie Kyriacou’s fourball came down the final hole in hot pursuit of Team Lee but fell short of the two birdies required to tie the lead and finished solo second.

Meanwhile, tied for third on -31 were teams led by Esther Henseleit and Swede Linn Grant.

In the individual standings, Jeeno Thitikul soared into a three-shot lead with a near-flawless round of eight under par.

The Thai player, who will be seeking her 17th professional victory tomorrow, reflected on how the team format had aided her individual performance. She said: “It [the team event] definitely helped. Playing with a Thai player [Pornanong Phatlum] on my team helped and you try to do your best individually because if you play well the team benefits too.”

The 21-year-old will have to fend off England’s Annabell Fuller and team winner Somi Lee who are tied second on 10 under par, one shot ahead of Chiara Tamburlini and Emma Spitz. A further nine players also lie in wait within five shots of the overnight leader.

Ahead of the final round, Riyadh Golf Club welcomes American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo to headline tonight’s entertainment. The multi-platinum selling artist is a staunch supporter of women’s sport and is a co-owner of women’s netball team the Omaha Supernovas.

About his upcoming set he commented: “Tonight is going to be a huge party! I’ve brought some amazing dancers and we’re going to be singing all the hits!”

Derulo added: “Riyadh is incredible. I think the development here is unmatched around the world. It’s becoming one of the premier places on planet Earth.”

The PIF Saudi Ladies International concludes with tomorrow’s final round featuring the top 60 and ties.