Today in Riyadh was the turn of the pros only for the final round of the $500,000 ARAMCO Team Series – Riyadh on the Ladies European Tour.
The champion Alison Lee (US) produced some great golf – in fact incredible golf – ‘The best I have ever played over three days,’ were her words at the post Press Conference.
A runner-up last week on the LPGA in Korea to Minjee Lee in a play-off – this week she dominated a strong field.
Surely, this two-time winner on the LET with two ARAMCO Team Series wins – this is the springboard to greater success and that first LPGA win after nine years on tour.
A former World Number One amateur in 2013 – 2014, she has played in US Teams as an amateur; in the Junior Solheim Cup (2009, 2011 and 2013), the Junior Ryder Cup (2010 and 2012), the Curtis Cup (2014) and the Espirito Santo Trophy (2014).
As a professional she was part of the Solheim Cup winning US team in her debut year as a pro in 2015.
We met up with Dubai resident Rob Sherman again – as we did at the start of the week.
Rob has been caddying for England’s Hannah Burke.
Rob told us, ‘Fantastic week and all was very friendly. Hannah and I are still friends – I hope – but that is for Hannah to tell you. My first time in Riyadh for golf – although I have been a regular visitor here on business.’
Hannah finished on 7 under in tied 38th with rounds of 69, 67 and 73 to finish alongside friend of Dubai and Newcastle United fan fellow Englander Meghan MacLaren.
For Rob it was pay day today, he said it was a shame she did not shoot her best of the week round of 67.
Rob will now drive back to Dubai and the next role for the semi-retired golf fan is as a TV spotter at next month’s DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Riyadh has hosted a great week – all players, caddies, officials, media and spectators have had a super time – this is perhaps a break through moment for Golf Saudi and all its stakeholders – by bringing this tournament close to the capital.
There was a genuine energy and buzz around the tournament – from both Saudi Nationals and Ex-pats, golfers and non-golfers, the old and the young.
Onwards and upwards and congratulations to all.
