• Alison Lee broke 36-hole scoring record on Ladies European Tour by six strokes
  • Lee heads into Sunday 22-under-par after second successive 61
  • Carlota Ciganda led her team to three-shot victory in team event
  • Team Ciganda finished on 43-under-par

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Alison Lee continued her sensational form on day two of the Aramco Team Series presented by Public Investment Fund – Riyadh, smashing the Ladies European Tour (LET) 36-hole scoring record to take a six-stroke lead heading into Sunday’s final round.

On a memorable day where Carlota Ciganda’s team sealed a three-shot victory in the tournament’s team format, the American replicated her first-day feat of 11-under-par with another flawless performance, finishing with a 36-hole score of 22-under-par.

Lee’s two-day tally saw her surpass the previous record of 16-under-par, leaving her perfectly positioned to capture a second LET title at Riyadh Golf Club tomorrow.

“I’m playing really great,” she said in the aftermath of her record-breaking display. “There’s a lot of opportunities out there; I was calm throughout, I attacked the pins with my approach shots, and the putter was rolling really well.

“If you told me at the beginning of the week I was going to shoot 22-under after two days I wouldn't have believed you, so I’m very happy with where I am right now.”

While all areas of Lee’s game have been exemplary so far in the Saudi capital, her putting has been particularly impressive. By her own admission, putting has been ‘something lacking’ throughout 2023. However, this weekend has been entirely different, something she attributes to a newfound confidence.

“That’s been the biggest thing,” she added. “I’ve been able to putt aggressively and play with confidence, which is essential if you want to make birdies. I’ve been working really hard with my putting coach and it’s paying off. I’m really happy.”

Another who ended the day with elated spirits was Ciganda, who captained her team to a 43-under-par win – finishing three clear of teams led by Lee and Trichat Cheenglab, who finished tied second on 40-under-par.

Commenting on their victory alongside teammates Italian Alessandra Fanali, Czech Sara Kouskova, and the team’s amateur player, representing Saudi Arabia, Lujain Khalil, the world No.33 said: “I’ve always said that I love playing this format. Every time you win as a team, it’s a different feeling because you’re playing for something more than just yourself.

“It’s amazing to be standing here today as team event winners and the girls alongside me played amazing. We had a lot of chances, we made so many birdies, and it was so much fun out there. We’ve really enjoyed playing this course ever since we arrived and we’ll enjoy this moment.”

While the team event is over, another big day awaits Ciganda, who is still in the running for the individual prize. On 16-under-par, she is second in the individual standings, six back from Lee and one ahead of Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg in third.

Tickets are still available for Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Riyadh on Sunday, offering sports fans and the general public in Riyadh the chance to attend a historic event that aims to showcase the best in women’s golf over three days while also providing a fun blend of family-friendly activities and entertainment across fitness, fun, and food.

Purchase online at TicketMX. See the Energy, See the Action, #SEETHEIMPACT.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Luke Lambourne - Performance54
luke.lambourne@performance54.com

About the Aramco Team Series Events

The Aramco Team Series events are both unique and historic and epitomize Aramco’s status as one of the most committed investors in female golf today. The investment by Aramco as the headline sponsor makes them one of the biggest backers of the women’s game in Europe. The five Aramco Team Series events are a significant step forward for women’s sports and follow the hugely successful Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF and Saudi Ladies Team International.

The Aramco Team Series is the first team event series of its kind on any professional tour. Taking place across three continents, the tournaments will see the world’s best players team up with amateur golfers to compete for $1 million in prize funds. Using a unique draft system, team captains will pick one pro teammate, before being allocated a third via a random draw. Completing each team will be one amateur golfer. As well as competing for the team trophy, the professionals will also vie for an individual title, offering Rolex Rankings and Solheim Cup ranking points, and will be part of the Race to Costa del Sol Official Rankings.

This is the only event in world golf where an amateur contributes to the final result in the main team competition. Prize money for the winning team is split between its three professional members.

About Golf Saudi

Golf Saudi facilitates uptake and participation in golf through the delivery of world-class facilities, operational excellence and the implementation of industry best practice to position the Kingdom as an exceptional golfing nation. Combined with grass roots training and education programmes that introduce people to the game at the earliest opportunity and with the greatest ease, Golf Saudi is committed to delivering a dynamic national development programme that transforms the golfing landscape.

Twitter: @Golf_Saudi
Instagram: @Golf_Saudi
Facebook: @GolfSaudi

About Saudi Golf Federation

The Saudi Golf Federation is dedicated to promoting and sponsoring the sport of golf, aligning with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. With its headquarters in Riyadh, the federation actively develops organizational and educational strategies to encourage Saudi nationals’ involvement in golf, demonstrating its commitment to fostering the sport's growth and expanding its participant base across the country.

Twitter: @SaudiGF_
Instagram:@SaudiGF_

About Aramco

Aramco is a global integrated energy and chemicals company driven by the core belief that energy is opportunity. Aramco’s aim is to continue its long and proven track record, contributing multiple streams of value to its many stakeholders, while maintaining its reputation as a reliable supplier of energy to the world.  We focus on making our resources more dependable, more sustainable and more useful. This partnership with Aramco comes as part of the company’s efforts in female empowerment by providing an exciting new platform through which women can excel in this global sport, while also inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue their dreams and achieve their potential.

About the Ladies European Tour

The LET inspires women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf.

At our core, we aim to build and deliver an extensive competitive schedule of events to enable our strong, energetic, proud and confident players to compete at the highest level, pursue their dreams and lead by example.

Our diverse and multicultural membership of 421 professional golfers represents as many as 38 countries. We are a global tour with roots in Europe. We aim to entertain and excite, but also to enhance health and quality of life, as a responsible, committed and respectful partner.

Inspiring – our players are inspiring role models to follow and encourage others to pursue their own dreams. 

Passionate – we are driven by a passion to perform to our full potential and get better every day. It’s not just about the money or the glory, but a true love for the game.

Committed – we are fiercely committed to continuous improvement and recognise the grit that it takes to achieve long-term goals.

2023 marks the 45th season of golf tournaments since the professional tour was founded in 1978 and the fourth edition of the Race to Costa Del Sol. This year’s schedule includes 30 events in 21 different countries and a record-breaking prize fund of €35 million.

The LET Access Series is the official development tour of the LET, formed to give players an opportunity to compete and progress onto the LET and achieve their dreams in professional golf.