Charley Hull's Victory Sparks Interest in Middle Eastern Golf

Charley Hull’s impressive three-shot victory in Saudi Arabia has drawn attention to the Middle East, highlighting its growing significance in golf both on and off the course. The 28-year-old Englishwoman’s win at the Aramco Ladies Team Series event at Riyadh Golf Club marks her return to form after a challenging period that included six runner-up finishes since her last victory in 2022.

“It’s been a long wait, and I feel good,” Hull said, reflecting on her success. Charley Hull’s triumph coincided with the Future Investment Initiative conference where PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and other officials gathered. This conference organized by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), served as a backdrop for negotiations between the PGA Tour and the PIF which reportedly discussed a potential $1 billion deal.

Although not confirmed, this agreement could reshape men’s professional golf possibly allowing players from the controversial LIV tour to return to the PGA Tour’s major events. Anticipated changes by 2026 include the PGA Tour’s plans to reduce membership numbers and tournament sizes to enhance the value of its tour cards.

Currently, only the top 100 players will retain full cards and tournament fields will shrink a move designed to improve pace of play. Meanwhile, the DP World Tour currently hosts play-offs in the Middle East, culminating in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship where Rory McIlroy leads the money list.

The race for ten coveted PGA Tour cards adds further intrigue with European players like Thriston Lawrence and Rasmus Hojgaard vying for a spot. Overall, the developments in the Middle East signal a pivotal moment for the sport indicating significant changes on the horizon for professional golf.