The PIF Global Series is set to conclude its association with the Ladies European Tour (LET) after the 2026 season, as announced by Golf Saudi. Since its inception in 2021, this Saudi-funded series has hosted a total of 29 events, contributing significantly to the women’s golf landscape.
Impact on Prize Money and Events
The upcoming 2026 season will feature five events with an impressive total purse of $15 million. Notably, this amount, excluding the two major championships, accounts for over half of the LET’s total prize pool. This announcement occurs against the backdrop of turmoil in men’s golf, particularly following LIV Golf’s recent bankruptcy filing, which has raised questions about the future of various golf tournaments worldwide.
The 2026 PIF series includes past events held in locations such as Saudi Arabia, Las Vegas, and London, with upcoming competitions planned for Seoul and Shenzhen. Prominent players such as Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson, and Jeeno Thitikul have achieved victories within this series, showcasing the event’s competitive spirit and international appeal.
Shifts in Focus for Future Events
As the PIF Global Series transitions away from the LET, Golf Saudi is redirecting its efforts toward a singular flagship event: the PIF London Championship, which will undergo rebranding and restructuring. According to the latest Golf Saudi updates, this prestigious tournament will simply be referred to as The Championship after 2026. In a significant schedule alteration, it will now precede the AIG Women’s British Open instead of following it, taking over the slot previously held by the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open.
The Championship is scheduled to take place during the week of July 19 at a venue yet to be announced. Meanwhile, LET officials and IMG are actively working on rescheduling the Scottish Open, although it will no longer be associated with the LPGA.
Future Prospects and Community Impact
The PIF London Championship made headlines last August when 17-year-old star Anna Huang clinched her fourth LET title, defeating fan-favorite Charley Hull with an eagle on the final hole. LET CEO Tom Phillips praised the partnership with Golf Saudi, emphasizing its transformative effect on the opportunities available to players. He expressed optimism about the continued investment from Golf Saudi into women’s golf.
Additionally, Golf Saudi has revealed a multi-year sponsorship agreement to create a season-long points race, which will award a bonus to the winner at the season’s end, promoting greater engagement in women’s golf. Abeer AlJohani, vice president of the Saudi Golf Federation Office, highlighted the initiative’s ambition to inspire and empower young Saudi women in the sport, encouraging them to envision futures as players, coaches, and leaders.
The LET has yet to announce its complete schedule for the 2027 season. With Phillips at the helm since January, he faces the challenge of revitalizing the tour following the loss of significant funding and opportunities for female golfers.
Overall, the shift away from the LET marks a pivotal moment in women’s golf, as organizations like Golf Saudi look to forge new paths and create lasting legacies in the sport. The evolution of the PIF Global Series signifies both challenges and opportunities for women golfers in the years ahead.