Aramco Team Series London 2024 Preview, Picks & Analysis

World number one Nelly Korda should have been the star attraction at this week’s Aramco Team Series event in Hemel Hempstead. Instead she is at home in America recovering from the after-effects of a dog bite that forced her to withdraw.

The American golfer, 25, was set to defend her title at the Centurion Club, an event which is part of the Ladies European Tour.

"On Saturday in Seattle, I was bitten by a dog and need time to receive treatment and recover fully," Korda wrote on social media.

"I apologise to the LET, the sponsors and my fans for my absence. Thank you for your understanding and I look forward to returning to the course soon."

A total of 36 teams of four will battle it out over two days in a bid to become the fourth Aramco Team Series London Team Champions. Using a unique scoring system, and allowing an amateur to contribute to the final result of a professional tour event with a total prize fund of $1m, the Aramco Team Series, continues to bring a new level of excitement and entertainment to the Ladies European Tour.

American Alison Lee - 2023 Series Finale Winner

As well as the team event, there is a three-day individual strokeplay competition contested between the 108-player field. Coming to a conclusion on the final day after the team event is finalised and the field cut to 60 and ties, the individual competition offers points for the Race to Costa Del Sol and Rolex World Rankings.

After her title-clinching eagle on the 18th hole last year, Georgia Hall will return as the defending Team Captain and will be joined by fellow English star Charley Hull. The strongest field of the year in Europe so far will also feature Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, and American duo Alison Lee and Angel Yin.

Tavatanakit, who won in Riyadh at the $5 million Aramco Saudi Ladies International in February - her first trophy since winning the Chevron Championship in 2021 - secured another victory on home soil the following week on the LPGA Tour.

Reflecting on her recent success, Tavatanakit said: "This season got off to an incredible start, thanks to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years. Winning in Riyadh was emotional, as it was my first title in three years, and it helped propel me to a really special win in Thailand the following week.”

Alison Lee, who equalled the 72-hole scoring record by winning the series finale in Riyadh last year with a score of 29-under-par, will make her first Ladies European Tour appearance since that win.

Lee expressed her excitement, stating: “Riyadh was definitely the highlight of my year. Aramco Team Series events are always great fun, and we’re taken care of so brilliantly. I’m excited to play in London for the first time this year and expect three very competitive days given the strong field.”

Joining Lee is fellow American Angel Yin, who returns to the Aramco Team Series after a three-year absence; Solheim Cup star Emily Pedersen; and three-time Major champion Anna Nordqvist, from Sweden.

Last year, Hull came up just short to Korda in the individual competition, while Hall was able to captain her team to victory, edging out Hull’s team by just one stroke. The pair will team up next month to represent Great Britain at the Paris Olympic Games.

Hull has recently reached a career-high Golf World Ranking of seventh. She said: “At the start of the season I sat down and thought about how I wanted this year to pan out. I knew that there would be an important summer of golf ahead with the Olympic Games, Solheim Cup and chasing down my first Major title.

“I’m in the best place I’ve ever been in my career, mentally and physically. Sticking to the gym in those early hours and achieving 5km personal bests was a way to ground myself and clear my head, and this is really helping me out on the course.

“To have the Aramco Team Series at home is the best way to open the intense summer ahead. Playing in a field with some of the players I’ll face in Paris, and at a tournament like this that has that Major-like feel, will be a great dress rehearsal for me to aim for that gold medal.”

Tournament Winners

It was won in 2021 by Bronte Law and in 2023 by Nelly Korda

The Course

Centurion is a parkland course that can be stretched to 7,100 yards. Accuracy from the tee is absolutely essential to have any chance of scoring well. The greens are undulating and tricky to read.

Form Guide

Korda’s absence is a blow but there are plenty of world-class golfers in the field. Charley Hull has played some wonderful stuff this year and will be attacking flags from the off. If she drives the ball well she will be difficult to beat

To win:

Charley Hull. Mercural talent

Each way:

Patty Tavatanakit. Proven winner

Each way:

Alison Lee. Exciting American

Five To Follow

Charley Hull. Big hitter

Patty Tavatanakit. Wondrous short game

Alison Lee. Can go really, really low

Georgia Hall. Loves playing on home soil

Angel Yin. Exciting talent