Golfing icon Gary Player backs New York’s Aramco Team Series

Golfing icon Gary Player officially launched the Aramco Team Series – New York tournament this morning hitting the ceremonial tee shot at Glen Oaks Club, Westbury.

The Aramco Team Series – a new, four-event format introduced to the Ladies European Tour is taking on Long Island running from October 14-16, the first LET event to take place in the US.

Player, widely considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, is in New York in his current role as Golf Saudi ambassador – the federation are the organisers for the Aramco Team Series.  

The 85-year-old, winner of nine majors, is a firm supporter of helping to grow women’s sport and sees the Aramco-backed New York event as an example of the support the sport needs to compete in a competitive US sports market.

“Women’s golf has been neglected terribly and it’s not fair,” said Player. “The average American doesn’t realize how well these women can play. I’m such a fan and supporter of women’s golf and I appeal to businesses to sponsor it. This is a really exciting event.”

“I watched most of the Solheim Cup this year and I don’t watch much golf anymore. To see these events, like the one here, sponsored around the world is fantastic for women’s golf.”

“We are going to see great improvement in women’s golf and we need it, young women need role models. We see women playing rugby, soccer, kick boxing. It’s a whole new world and it’s exciting.”

The Aramco Team Series is a new, four-event format introduced to the LET this year, in which teams of three professionals and one amateur compete both together and as individuals for a share of $1million prize money. The Aramco Team Series’ NFL-style draft is one of many innovations the tournament prides itself on. Collectively the Aramco Team Series represents around 40% of earnings available on the LET in 2021.

Player, who resides in Florida, feels New York is a perfect spot for a Series that has previously gone to London, Spain and culminates in Saudi Arabia next month.

“Coming back to New York has always been a thrill. It’s a very unique city. People misjudge New York and they don’t realise what a great place it is with the surroundings so beautiful. You haven’t experienced life if you’ve not been here. But we also need to give opportunities to young people to get out of the city and experience golf courses like this. As my friend Nelson Mandela used to tell me – sport can change the world. I cannot speak highly enough about women’s golf.”

Stars on show this week at Glen Oaks include the likes of World Number One Nelly Korda, sister Jessica, Lexi Thompson, Lizette Salas and Danielle Kang along with stars of Europe’s victorious Solheim Cup team.