Aramco Team Series Riyadh 2024, Preview, Picks & Analysis

The Aramco Team Series reaches its climax in Riyadh this week. Funded by the PIF, which is also responsible for pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into LIV Golf, the series has attracted some adverse publicity because of the way it is funded but nobody can deny that it has provided a huge and welcome cash boost for the Ladies European Tour.

And Charley Hull will be looking to cap her 2024 season with a win as she prepares to go head-to-head against major winner Georgia Hall at Riyadh Golf Club.

The English pair, who represented Europe in 2024’s Solheim Cup and Team GB in Paris, join Alison Lee of the United States and Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit in the conclusion to the Aramco Team Series. With an impressive track record in the Series, Hull has recorded nine top-10 finishes in just 10 appearances, including an individual title win in New York in 2021.

"Competing in Riyadh at the Aramco Team Series this year is a fantastic opportunity for me," said Hull. "After finishing second in both Tampa and Korea, I feel my game is in great shape, and I'm eager to turn those near misses into a win."

Hall won the 2023 Aramco Team Series in London while also enjoying individual success on Saudi soil, capturing the Aramco Saudi Ladies International 2022 title in Jeddah. And this year she narrowly missed repeating her team success in London, losing in a three-hole playoff for the team title, and she remains determined to capture her first individual title in Riyadh.

She said: "The playoff loss in London was hard, especially after coming so close to defending our team title, but it’s moments like those that fuel my determination. I’m more motivated than ever to secure another Aramco Team Series title, and Riyadh is the perfect stage for that. I’m looking forward to the challenge and putting on a great performance for the fans."

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Best friends and former Saudi champions Lee and Tavatanakit will be looking to deny the English golfers.

American Lee, who represented the USA in the 2024 Solheim Cup, is the defending individual champion. This follows her record-breaking triumph in 2023 in Riyadh, which was sealed when she carded a final-round 65 to finish 29-under-par, setting a new 54-hole scoring record on the Ladies European Tour.

"Winning in Riyadh last year was a career highlight for me. The energy and support was incredible, and I felt like everything came together perfectly on the course," she said.

"I’m looking forward to bringing that same energy and focus to this year’s event as it’s always special to return to a place where you’ve had such a memorable win. I’m excited to see what this year has in store."

Thai golfer Tavatanakit also has a strong connection to Riyadh, having won the Aramco Saudi Ladies International on the same course earlier this year. That victory was her first since 2021, and she now returns with confidence, eager to replicate her success.

"Lifting that trophy earlier this year in Riyadh was a huge boost for me and a very emotional win," said Tavatanakit. "It felt like a turning point in my career and gave me the confidence to win another title straight off the back of it."

"Coming back to the same course is something I’m really excited about and I’m ready for the challenge."

Organised by Golf Saudi, the five events on the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF add an annual $5 million in prize money to the LET, taking its innovative team format to four continents across the year.

The Course:

The course is a par 72 measuring 6,850 yards and is famous for its 635-yard par five second. Carved from the desert, it features plenty of sand and water.

Tournament Winners:

The inaugural tournament was won last year by Alison Lee.

Form Guide:

It is always fun watching Charley Hull. The English golfer, who knows only way to play this game - attack, attack, attack - has had a good season and will surely be there or thereabouts this week.

Prize Money:

The total prize fund is $1m, with $75,000 going to the individual winner, plus a further $125,000 to the winner of the team element.

How to Watch:

Thursday, October 31, Sky Sports Golf, 10am, Friday, and Saturday, November 1 and 2, Sky Sports Golf, 9am.

To Win:

Charley Hull. Exciting talent

Each Way:

Alison Lee. Hugely gifted

Players to Follow:

Charley Hull. Goes for every pin

Alison Lee. Has good memories

Patty Tavatanakit. Sublime short game

Georgia Hall. Consistent performer