OLYMPIC DUO PEDERSEN AND TAVATANAKIT LOOKING FOR SPARK AT ARAMCO TEAM SERIES PRESENTED BY PIF LONDON

Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and Denmark’s Emily Pedersen are eager to make the most of the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF - London this week as they prepare for the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Both Tavatanakit and Pedersen competed in their first Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, with Pedersen finishing fifth overall, just three strokes away from the podium.

Now, as they gear up to represent their countries again, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF at Centurion Club offers the perfect platform for them to start building momentum.

Thai star Tavatanakit started the year with a bang, claiming wins in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF and the Honda LPGA Thailand, just a week apart.

These victories ended a near three-year wait for a win, after her maiden win came in her ANA Inspiration Major triumph (now the Chevron Championship) in 2021.

“It’s been a good year, and I feel like my game is heading in the right direction,” said Tavatanakit.

“The first two wins of the season boosted my confidence a lot. People say you don't learn much from winning, but I did. I learned what worked and what I was focusing on leading up to those wins. That’s my template now, so I have a good sense of what’s beneficial for me and what isn’t. I'm just moving forward, simplifying things.”

For Pedersen, who won the inaugural Aramco Team Series in 2020, returning to the team format and Centurion Club is a very welcome opportunity.

“I’m a big fan of team golf,” said Pedersen. “It’s different, and it’s always good to come back to Europe. Since day one, the Aramco Team Series has been a boost to the Tour. It’s new and different, and it makes the events fun, set up like Major championships.

“I’m striking the ball well at the moment, but patience will be key.  I remember not hitting many fairways here last time, and it was tough for the amateurs. It’s a great golf course, and you need to make some good putts and have strong tee shots to win.”

The competition will be fierce, with 19 women from the Olympic golf field set to compete. British duo Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are among the favorites to clinch the individual title, especially following World No.1 Nelly Korda’s withdrawal due to a dog bite.

Despite the high-profile withdrawal, Tavatanakit is not putting pressure on a third win of the year, and is instead looking to make the most of her experience in the United Kingdom.

“I just walked the course and I feel like this will be a fun layout for the format as well,” said Tavatanakit. "I think we have six par-fives on the course, and I just want to have fun and enjoy being in the UK - playing in England and Scotland is always a delight for me.

"I actually like this cooler weather, even though many people don't. It helps me stay comfortable and keeps my mood calmer. I'm looking forward to having fun and meeting new people as well."

The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is a unique event featuring 36 teams, each consisting of three professionals and one amateur, competing over two days for the team title. The professionals will also compete for the individual title with an additional day of competition.