Shoug Alharbi, 12, joyfully holding the Aramco Saudi Ladies International trohpy
Hosted by the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, Ladies Day saw over 1,000 attendees enjoy a fun-fuelled day of golf, live shows and entertainment. The recent event took place on the second day of the tournament being presented by the Public Investment Fund team at King Abdullah Economic City's Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
Adwa Al Dakheel (left) and Nada Baashan (right) with Aramco Saudi Ladies International trophy
Conceived by Golf Saudi to encourage more women and girls to try golf, Ladies Day included free expert-led group golf lessons, live entertainment and complementary food, drinks and ice cream. Participants were also able to take in the course's sensational views over the waters of the Red Sea on the famous 16th hole thanks to the organised luxury shuttle rides.
What’s more, Adwa Al Dakheel gave the crowds an inspirational interactive talk in the tournament’s Aramco Energy Zone. The Saudi businesswoman, pilot, author, singer and entrepreneur ended her motivational talk by speaking one on one to several young girls on stage.
Adwa Al Dakheel speaks with a few of the young girls following her talk on stage
"It’s an honour to be part of history in Saudi for one of the most prominent sports in the world,” Al Dakheel said. “Golf might be another item on my bucket list!”
The multi-talented 30-year-old added the numerous girls she spoke to have their own dreams and don’t need inspiration from anyone. She said the girls have special futures ahead and they “might actually play as one of the professionals in a few years.” Camilla Lennarth, Ladies European Tour professional and an international ambassador for Golf Saudi, also spoke at the event.
Camilla Lennarth Golf Saudi Ambassador while giving lessons to young girls on Ladies Day
“Sharing my love for golf with others and teaching some tips and tricks is one of my biggest passions just outside of playing on my own,” Lennarth, who was one of the professionals giving golf lessons, said. “This is what I love to do, especially when they're young and open-minded and want to learn. It just gives me a purpose to help out younger girls and to grow the game. I loved being here and helping these ladies.”
The Swede also highlighted the advantages of playing golf, which she described as a sport that “brings a lot of joy to everyone.” As well as being surrounded by stunning natural surroundings, being out on the course offers lots of opportunities to meet new contacts and friends. “It just brings people together, and I think it's important to have such clinics,” she said.
The corwd enjoying Ladies Day in Aramco Energy Zone
Twelve-year-old Shoug Alharbi was one of the many girls thrilled to have taken part in the day’s learning clinic, which ended with the group getting to hold the Aramco Saudi Ladies International trophy.
"I'm overjoyed. I tried golf for the first time today, and it feels like I'm free, and it's a lot of fun! I picture myself as a professional golfer in the future,” she said. “I'm still young, so perhaps not so soon, but I'll keep practicing because I had a lot of fun today.”
Free tournament tickets for the final day of the Aramco Saudi Ladies International can be secured by registering online at www.golfsaudi.com.
