Bangkok, May 9, 2022: The Aramco Team Series presented by the Public Investment Fundis back for 2022 – and has brought with it a new format, a new location, more prizemoney and the promise of five thrilling global events on the Ladies European Tour.
Added to the LET’s 2021 season calendar, the ATS has introduced four new $1million tournaments in which many of the biggest and best players in women’s golf battled it out in both a team and individual format.
The Series last year stopped in London, Sotogrande in southern Spain, New York and Jeddah, inviting more than 30 team captains at each spot to make an NFL-style draft pick for their first teammate, before being given another randomly selected Tour pro, then being assigned a local amateur player to complete their fourball.
Impressing the world over, the events brought with them a new sense of fun and flair, with teams walking to the tee to their choice of music – and the amateur ‘Sunday golfer’ often finding themselves having to use the strength of their handicap to hole putts vital to their team climbing the leaderboard in the quest for higher prizemoney for the professionals, vital Race to Costa del Sol and Rolex ranking points.
For 2022, the Series returns, this time with a brand-new stop: Thailand.
Being played at the Thai Country Club May 12-14th, the Aramco Team Series Bangkok presented by the Public Investment Fund will add another $1million to the season prize-fund, and will tee-off the ATS’ second year on the LET calendar.
Here’s what to expect in 2022:
A new format set to speed play up and offer even greater buzz
Last year saw the Aramco Team Series become the first team event series of its kind on any professional tour with a new format that uniquely combines individual and team format. This year will see the revised format with the team event that includes 26 teams of four (3 professionals and a lucky amateur) taking place over the first two days only with the best two scores per hole counting with a $500,000 prize fund up for grabs. Running concurrently will be an individual strokeplay event with the third and final round for individuals making the cut in a last day shootout and another separate $500,000 on offer.
Local talent and international stars
This week sees a trio of Thailand’s top golfing superstars in Bangkok with international star Patty Tavatanakit, world number 14, former world No. 1 and two-time major winner Ariya Jutanugarn and sister Moriya are some of the local headliners. They are joined by local 18 year-old talent Chanoknan ‘April’ Angurasaranee the leading female player at the recent Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup at Siam Country Club and fellow countrywoman Chonlada Chatanun. England’s Charley Hull and breakout US star Kelly Whaley are exciting names to watch alongside a host of LET leading lights. Last year’s Aramco Team Series saw stars such as Georgia Hall, Nelly Korda, Anna Nordqvist, Danielle Kang, Alison Lee and Lexi Thompson all tee it up.
Elevated events to bigger global audiences
‘From the quality of the courses to the build, facilities and the hospitality the Aramco Team Series is elevating the standards across the board,” said Alex Armas, LET, CEO.
“To many of our members, these events feel like majors — and they look forward to playing in them almost as much.”
And this year’s broadcast distribution will see the Aramco Team Series shown in a record 117 territories to an estimated reach of 330m households giving more exposure to more LET golfers and local stars from each market.
Partnerships that support women’s golf and local communities
Aramco’s continued partnership for 2022 makes it the biggest backer in women’s golf. The Aramco Team Series will support up and coming women’s golfers who need extra support to make it to the next level with partnerships with local charities and golfing associations planned at every stop to make a difference.