RHODES ROCKS RIYADH TAKING TOP SPOT IN THE PIF SAUDI LADIES INTERNATIONAL

England’s Mimi Rhodes backed up a stellar opener in round two of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club today, moving into an outright lead fending off advances from South Africa’s Casandra Alexander and Chizzy Iwai of Japan.  

The 24-year-old, who captured the Ladies European Tour (LET) 2025 Rookie of the Year, posted a determined score of 69 moving to an overall total of 11-under-par to lead by one. 

Another former LET Rookie of the Year, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda who now has 12 professional wins, sits one shot further back in tied 4th alongside Japan’s prodigious Rio Takeda. Eight players are tied for sixth and England’s Charley Hull lies four back from her compatriot alongside past champion Patty Tavatanakit. 

Reflecting on her mindset, and how she has approached the week so far, Rhodes said: “Honestly, I was so excited. Having two months off competitive golf, it's so long, but I just got back into the swing of things. Holing putts is my main goal out there and having the greens rolling really nicely is definitely an advantage for that. I’m just taking it chill out there and being patient. 

“I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself, but obviously it’s a big event, one of the PIF Global Series, so I wanted to do well, and start with a cut made, I’ve done more than that. I think I can be proud of myself and now just see what happens. I’m happy.” 

INVESTORS IN WOMEN’S SPORT 

The second day of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club highlighted Golf Saudi's investment in the future of women’s sport, moving beyond the greens to foster a culture of leadership and professional development. 

The WiMENA (Women in Middle East and North Africa)  panels were further elevated by the presence of pioneering Saudi athletes who embody the Kingdom's sporting ambition, including Kariman Abuljadayel, the trailblazing sprinter who set a Guinness World Record for the 10km open water row. Joining her were Razan Al-Ajmi, Saudi Arabia's first female skydiver, the Saudi National Rugby Team and other prominent Olympians and sports figures. 

The speakers shared their journey filled with resilience and passion, highlighting how the tournament provides a vital platform for cross-disciplinary leadership. By bringing together record-breakers and pioneers, Golf Saudi is fostering an environment where young women are inspired to become leaders in any field, from the boardroom to the open sea.  

As the support continues to grow for Saudi sports development, Ameerah Marghalani, a Saudi Rugby National Team member confidently said: “I want to see the support for sports grow exponentially across the country. My vision is to see more young girls and women joining the sporting community, not just in major cities, but across every corner of Saudi Arabia.” 

On site at Riyadh Golf Club today, more than 200 young students have been getting to grips with golf courtesy of Golf Saudi’s team of PGA Professionals in Go Golf clinics, with the aim of using sport as a means for change for a better future.