Dame Laura Davies Hopes Aramco Team Series Will Inspire Further Backing Of Women's Golf
The legendary golfer spoke about the new series and hopes it has long term impacts.
The legendary golfer spoke about the new series and hopes it has long term impacts.
Dame Laura Davies Hopes Aramco Team Series Will Inspire Further Backing Of Women's Golf
English golf legend Dame Laura Davis hopes the inaugural Aramco Team Series, kicking off in London this week, can be a catalyst for change across the Ladies European Tour.
Some of the biggest names in women’s golf tee off from July 8-10 at Centurion Golf for a total prize fund of $1 million. The inaugural event of Aramco Team Series - a new innovative global golf series led by Golf Saudi - will see players team up for $4m across four events across the globe.
A field of more than 100 Ladies European Tour (LET) players will play at each event in teams of four made up of three professionals and one amateur. The series, backed by Aramco, is the only event in world golf where amateur players can contribute to the final result.
Related: Where to watch the Aramco Team Series London
Davies, 57, said: “The more forward-thinking sponsors we get like this the better. They are doing an absolutely cracking job for us.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“And what they’ll hopefully do is make all the other sponsors move the bar up and realise that 108 pros cannot exist on a 200,000 euros tournament. I know times are hard and everything, but there’s not much to go round with that kind of prize fund. We are not asking every sponsor obviously to put a million euros in – or million dollars as it is this time – but it is just encouraging other sponsors who are doing such a great job.”
The four-time major winner added: “Everything has to be viable (for other sponsors) – they have to have a tournament that works for them as well as the players. Maybe other sponsors will want to get a bit closer to the Aramcos of this world."
Davies’ comments have been welcomed by Golf Saudi CEO, Majed Al Sorour, who feels the start of the Aramco Team Series in London can be an important moment for women’s sport.
“It's encouraging to hear these kind of comments from Laura,” said Golf Saudi CEO, Majed Al Sorour. “Golf Saudi is a champion of women’s sport and we hope our support of the Aramco Team Series events will make a big difference to the sustainability of women’s golf; something which is aligned to the ongoing women’s sporting movement in Saudi as part of Vision 2030.”
Al Sorour added: “As is the case across global sport, women’s golf really does lag behind the men’s game in terms of prize money and exposure. Aramco’s continued commitment in golf across the next few years can hopefully provide the catalyst for other international backers to invest in the game and change this.
Related: How to get free tickets for the Aramco Team Series
“We truly feel this could be one of the most exciting and innovative event formats in women’s sport today. We’re attracting the biggest names in women’s golf and shaking things up globally with the US sport style ‘Draft’ and walk on music. We’re always trying to innovate and make the game more appealing.”
Aramco has now become the most significant supporter of the Ladies European Tour with the series committed to providing more playing opportunities and prize funds – as well as enhanced broadcast global coverage.
“The more broadcast exposure we can give women’s sport the better – we’re excited to see the Aramco Team Series being shown in 60 countries over the coming months,” said Al Sorour.
For more information on Team Up and the Aramco Team Series - London, visit aramcoteamseries.com
Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor which mean's he oversees everything E-com related on the site.
This takes the form of creating and updating Buying Guides, reviews, and finding bargain prices for deals content.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.
Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap.
-
'I Was Told By Doctors I Would Never Have The Physical Ability To Play Sports Again' - Almost 2 Years Since Starting Golf, We Asked 4 Women About Their Journey So Far
PGA Professional Emma Booth caught up with 4 women she introduced to golf to find out how they feel about the game now
By Emma Booth Published
-
DP World Tour Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
There’s tournament prize money and Race to Dubai bonus payouts at the DP World Tour’s season finale in Dubai
By Mike Hall Published
-
Where To Watch The Aramco Team Series Sotogrande
Don't miss any of the action from the second Aramco Team Series event.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Team Cowan And Marianne Skarpnord Claim Aramco Team Series Honours
Team Cowan And Marianne Skarpnord Claim Aramco Team Series Honours
By Matt Cradock Published
-
10 Things You Didn't Know About Marianne Skarpnord
10 Things You Didn't Know About Marianne Skarpnord
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Lexi Thompson – “My Dog Saved My Life”
Lexi Thompson - "My Dog Saved My Life"
By Matt Cradock Published
-
“There Have Been Some Half Lame Excuses For Not Going” Nordqvist On Olympics
Anna Nordqvist's Thoughts On The Olympics - "There Have Been Some Half Lame Excuses For Not Going"
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Georgia Hall Shoots Course Record At Centurion Club
Georgia Hall Shoots Course Record At Centurion Club
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Dame Laura Davies Outshines Lexi Thompson At Aramco Team Series
Dame Laura Davies Outshines Lexi Thompson At Aramco Team Series
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Lexi Thompson On Olympic Dream: "There's No Higher Honour"
US star Lexi Thompson believes there is no higher honour in golf than representing your country in the Olympics
By Andrew Wright Published