CHOI AND TAKEDA REIGN IN RIYADH WITH A CHASING PACK POISED FOR AN 18-HOLE RACE TO THE PIF SAUDI LADIES INTERNATIONAL TITLE

Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi and Rio Takeda of Japan lead a stacked chasing pack on 15-under par following moving day at Riyadh Golf Club in the $5 million PIF Saudi Ladies International, supported by Golf Saudi.

The 26-year-old Korean’s flawless seven-under 65 was among the low rounds of the day elevating her from a tie for sixth to move alongside Takeda whose own birdie-laden round included a less-than textbook eagle on the 507-yard par five 12th. 

The eight-time LPGA of Japan Tour winner’s second shot, a 3-Hybrid from the rough, bounded towards the green, through a bunker, skirting the fringe, and eventually rolling to just 12 feet of the hole, which she slotted away assuredly. 

The first PIF Global Series tournament of 2026 is poised for a sensational and dramatic final day of fierce competition in the Saudi sun as 14 players closed out round three just five shots off the top of the leaderboard. 

Golf Saudi continues its mission to elevate women’s golf in the Kingdom and expand access to the sport through world class events like the PIF Saudi Ladies International. 

Closest to the leaders after day three is South African Casandra Alexander who carded a confident 68 to remain one-shot back, with seven players lying two back.  

Alison Lee is among those in tied fourth. The American started the week playing rental clubs after her golf bag was held up in Amsterdam; now reunited with her own gear the 30-year-old posted six birdies and an eagle on the 359-yard par four 10th hole. 

Lee, who won at Riyadh Golf Club in 2023, said: “Yeah, it was great. It felt good to have my clubs back. Honestly, I was thinking today, I really hope I play better with my gamers than the rentals, or else we're going to be in trouble tomorrow. But I felt great. It's always nice to have your own clubs. You just feel more comfortable. That's what you practice with. They're reliable. You know how they're going to react, so it's great to have them back.” 

Alongside Lee are Japanese twins Akie and Chizzy Iwai who have 19 professional wins between them (nine and 10 respectively), their compatriot Nasa Hataoka, Korean Ina Yoon, eight-time Solheim Cup star Carlota Ciganda, and the Ladies European Tour (LET) 2025 Order of Merit winner Shannon Tan. 

The 21-year-old Singaporean said: “I would say for tomorrow, I'll just focus on myself and just treat it like the past two days. I've done pretty well, so just going with the same approach and just play it shot by shot and just play it that way.” 

Among the six players on 11-under, just four shots off the pace, are World No. 5 Charley Hull, 2024 winner Patty Tavatanakit, and overnight leader Mimi Rhodes. 

The Saudi Cultural Village at Riyadh Golf Club has transformed the tournament grounds into a vivid tapestry of the Kingdom’s heritage. From the intricate artistry of traditional weaving to the aromatic welcoming of Saudi coffee and the Saudi falcon, the village offers a sensory journey through the customs of every region, from the North to the South of the kingdom.  

These festivities have created a unique cultural heartbeat at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, allowing international players and local fans alike to immerse themselves in the deep-rooted hospitality and vibrant traditions that define Saudi Arabia’s identity.