Saudis drop five-event series from LET, shift focus to one event - Golfweek
The PIF Global Series will no longer be on the Ladies European Tour after 2026, according to a Golf Saudi release. The Saudi-backed series has delivered 29 events since it began in 2021.
The 2026 PIF Global Series included five events and a total of $15 million in purses, which, without the two majors, represents more than half of the LET’s total prize funds. The news comes in the midst of great upheaval in the men’s game as LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy earlier this month.
This year’s PIF-backed events were held in Saudi Arabia, Vegas, London and upcoming stops in Seoul and Shenzhen, China. Winners in the series over the years have included Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson and Jeeno Thitikul.
Instead, the Saudis will turn their focus toward one main event, the PIF London Championship, which will have a new name, date and partner for 2027.
The Saudi-backed event will now simply be known as The Championship, according to a Golf Saudi release. Rather than follow the AIG Women’s British Open, it will now precede it, taking the place of the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, as first reported by Golfweek. The Championship will be played the week of July 19 at a yet-to-be-named course. LET officials and IMG are working to find a new date for the Scottish Open, though it will no longer be sanctioned by the LPGA.
Last August at the Centurion Club, 17-year-old Anna Huang won her fourth LET title at the PIF London Championship by holding off home favorite Charley Hull with an eagle on the final hole.
“Golf Saudi has been an outstanding partner to the LET and has played a transformational role in creating opportunities for our players,” said LET CEO Tom Phillips in a release. “We are delighted that Golf Saudi is continuing to invest in the Ladies European Tour.”
Golfweek reported last week that The Scottish Open has been dropped from the LPGA schedule for 2027, as had the Aramco Championship held at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. The Championship will essentially take Aramco’s place, becoming a co-sanctioned event between the LPGA and LET with a $4 million purse, the same amount as the Vegas event.
Golf Saudi also announced the multi-year sponsorship of a season-long points race that awards the winner a season-ending bonus. The amount was disclosed.
“Our ambition is for Saudi women and girls to see a future in golf – as players, coaches, and leaders," said Abeer AlJohani, vice president of the Saudi Golf Federation Office.
"Championships like this give aspiring athletes a powerful sense of what is possible. Our responsibility at the Saudi Golf Federation is to connect that inspiration with opportunities to learn, compete, and progress, and to make sure women's experience and expertise inform the decisions that guide the sport. What we are building here is not seasonal, it is generational."
The LET has yet to release its schedule for the 2027 season. Phillips became CEO of the LET back in January and will now be tasked with rebuilding the tour after losing a sizable share of prize funds and playing opportunities.
Beth Ann Nichols is a senior writer for Golfweek covering the LPGA and all things women's golf. Follow her on X/Twitter (@GolfweekNichols).
