Alison Lee makes more history, seals emphatic victory in Riyadh

Alison Lee capped off her record-breaking Aramco Team Series presented by Public Investment Fund – Riyadh campaign in style this afternoon, sealing victory in the individual format with an astonishing 29-under-par through 54 holes – another record to accompany her many accomplishments this weekend.

Having smashed the Ladies European Tour (LET) 36-hole scoring record yesterday with a historic 22-under, the American was perfectly positioned to seal a second LET title at Riyadh Golf Club with a six-shot lead overnight.

While Carlota Ciganda put the pressure on and reduced the deficit to three strokes on the front nine, Lee produced a similar level of form that had seen her top the leaderboard since the tournament began.

Her overall game was outstanding once again and her approach shots and putting were especially impressive. With a final round seven-under-par, Lee finished eight strokes in front to win the 2023 series finale and first-ever professional golf tournament in the Saudi capital. 

“I’ve played some really good golf this week and putted even better,” she said. “I hit almost every green, gave myself plenty of birdie opportunities, and made a lot of them count with aggressive, confident play. I had a lot of fun out there and I’m delighted with the win because any tournament is difficult to win – there are so many great players out there and all of them can produce great golf.

“Carlota’s a great competitor. She made a really great eagle and then a birdie to bring it to within three. I was well aware of the challenge, but like I say, I felt really confident with my own game. I made some birdies of my own early on and that set the tone for the rest of the day and helped me to get the job done.”

For Lee, her performance this weekend has seen her name etched in the sport’s history books. She eclipsed the 36-hole and 54-hole scoring records on the LET, as well as equalling the tournament low score at 29-under-par, a record that was previously set over 72-holes. Earlier in the week, she also equalled the LET’s records for most consecutive birdies on Friday, with eight, and matched the 18-hole scoring record with 11-under-par.

Overall, Lee also made 29 birdies at Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Riyadh and all three of her scorecards were bogey-free. Her performance saw her add to her maiden tour win – the individual event at Aramco Team Series – Sotogrande in 2021 – and she was keen to praise those who made this week possible.

“Thank you Golf Saudi, Aramco, and the Public Investment Fund for staging this event. I love coming here and playing in these events,” she added. “I also want to thank Riyadh Golf Club. A lot had to be done to get the course ready and everyone involved did a tremendous job. I’ve been made to feel really welcome and I’d love to return and compete here again.”

As for Ciganda, the Spaniard carded a final round 67 to finish in second place on 21-under-par. While Lee’s overnight lead ultimately proved unassailable, the world No. 33 has nevertheless had a memorable weekend in Riyadh, where she captained her team to a three-stroke 43-under-par victory in the team event.

“If you’d told me at the beginning of the week that I’d finish on 21-under, I’d have taken that,” she said. “The conditions have been great here in Riyadh. There was no wind on the first two days but you still have to play well and score. It’s been an amazing weekend and I’m happy to finish second on the back of a great day yesterday.”

Commenting on Lee’s performance, she was full of praise for the American, adding: “When someone plays like that, you just have to say congratulations and well done. Alison has matched something that’s only ever been done over 72 holes on the LET before. She was amazing out there.”

This year’s Aramco Team Series presented by PIF visited Singapore, Florida, London, and Hong Kong before concluding in Riyadh. Like always, the innovative series’ unique dual format, a four-person team tournament alongside a simultaneous individual event, welcomed many of the world’s best players while reaching out to inspire audiences far and wide.