2 days ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [February 11, 2025] - Patty Tavatanakit is ready to defend her title at the PIF Saudi Ladies International from 13-15 February at Riyadh Golf Club, approaching the challenge with a fierce determination.
Reflecting on her off-season, Tavatanakit admitted she had not dwelled much on her three victories last year but instead remained focused on improvement and the road ahead.
The Thai player said: “I feel like, in the off-season, I hadn't really reflected back on last year and the three wins. But I just kept on working and looking forward to this year already. I don’t know what to think or what to expect.
“Coming into this week, I just really want to play my best. I’m working on some things right now. I just switched to a new coach, so I really want to focus on the process.”
As the defending champion, she acknowledges the pressure but views it as a privilege.
“I feel like there's always pressure. You're coming back as a defending champion. You've done it once. People expect you to do it again. But I could take it as a positive. Pressure is a privilege, and I'm very privileged to have that at the back of my mind.”
Last year was a strong season for Tavatanakit, with victories in Thailand, two additional top-10 finishes, and a third-place finish at The Amundi Evian Championship. However, she believes there’s still room for improvement.
“It was very, very important. A big boost in confidence, for sure. Earlier last year, I felt like my performance was there.
“At the same time though, I didn't feel like I performed my best or had my form all year round. That’s something I've been working on this off-season - just trying to eliminate those big misses, tee to green, and cleaning things up on the putting green a little bit. You always want to get better, and that’s just golf.”
Thailand’s Tavatanakit lifted the Saudi Ladies International trophy last year after an emotional win
Tavatanakit also praised the efforts of PIF and Golf Saudi in growing the game globally.
“What they’re doing for the game of golf in general is amazing. They're showing their commitment. They're here, they’re staying, and they’re trying to grow the game globally. Being a Golf Saudi ambassador this year, I’m really grateful to be a part of this journey.”
Carlota Ciganda also echoed similar sentiments about the event’s significance.
The Spanish Solheim Cup star said: “I think it's amazing what Golf Saudi are doing. I've been with them for the last three years and again this year. Very grateful for all the support and their commitment to women's golf with all the tournaments on the Ladies European Tour, these team events.
“Tournaments like this one with the same prize fund as the men - I think that's changing women's golf. It's moving towards more equality, so I’m very happy to be a part of it.”
Tavatanakit’s primary goal for the season is clear: “I'd like to win this year. Very clear about that, very passionate about it. I'll do anything I can to make that happen.”
As she prepares to defend her title, Tavatanakit emphasizes mental toughness. “I feel like the words "comfortable" and "confident" are kind of an illusion for me now. You just have to go out there regardless of how you feel. Just got to make it happen and accept that it’s golf - it’s not always going to look pretty.”
Solheim Cup star Ciganda praised Golf Saudi’s commitment to women’s golf
A previous team captain and winner in Riyadh, Ciganda embraces the format change. “I love playing for the team. It's something I always enjoy. I love playing for my teammates, and I think the best comes out of me when I play for others as well.”
She also had words of encouragement for young players like Mimi Rhodes, who has previously stated Ciganda as a role model whilst growing up.
“Young players nowadays are very ready to play. When they turn pro, they are much more prepared than 15 years ago. But I think it’s important to have fun, enjoy, and have a good team around you. It can be lonely sometimes, so having a coach and a team that supports you through good and bad times is really important. Just enjoy the process. Golf has ups and downs - that’s just how it is.”
The Spaniard’s goal for the season?
“Winning. Winning on the LPGA, winning here, winning majors - that’s what I want. Being European, the AIG Women’s Open is always special, but I’d be happy with any Major.”
It’s all to play for as Tavatankit and Ciganda hope they can kick start their season with an all important win.
12 hours ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [February 14, 2025] – Team Lee has made history be...
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [February 13, 2025] – Korea’s Somi Lee has t...
3 days ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [February 2025] – Global superstar Jason Derulo wi...
3 days ago
Riyadh, 10/02/25 – Golf Saudi today announced that PIF is the new title...
5 days ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 9 February 2025 – Golf Saudi’s world...
5 days ago
February 7, 2025 – Riyadh, KSA: Saudi golf star Khaled Attieh has admit...
6 days ago
February 5, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: This February, Golf Saudi is set to transfo...
2 months ago
December 7, 2024 - Riyadh: Chile’s Joaquin Niemann produced a mastercla...
2 months ago
December 5, 2024 - Riyadh: Two players shared a new course record of eight-un...
2 months ago
December 4, 2024 - Riyadh: Wei-lun Chang and Sadom Kaewkanjana set the first...
2 months ago
November 27, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia For the first time in its history, the...
2 months ago
NOVEMBER 20, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – A star-studded field is set for the...
3 months ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [1 November 2024] – It was all smiles for England&...
3 months ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [October 17, 2024] – Charley Hull is on the hunt t...
4 months ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [September 25, 2024] - Best friends and former Saudi cha...
4 months ago
Shenzhen, China [October 05, 2024] – France’s Celine Boutier fini...
5 months ago
Shenzhen, China[DATE] - China’s top talents and formidable LPGA players...
5 months ago
Shenzhen, China, 27 August 2024 – The Aramco Team Series presented by P...
7 months ago
London, United Kingdom [5 July 2024] – Spectators witnessed one of...
7 months ago
London, United Kingdom [2 July 2024] – Two of the standout na...
7 months ago
London, United Kingdom – London's only professional women's golf tourna...
8 months ago
The US$5million PIF Saudi International, powered by SoftBank Investment Advis...
8 months ago
Hyo-Joo Kim took advantage of an early morning start to claim the maiden Aram...
9 months ago
Seoul, Korea – The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is heading to th...
9 months ago
20 April 2024, Riyadh: John Catlin’s march to the 2024 Saudi Open prese...
10 months ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 8 April 2024: The 2024 Saudi Open presented by PIF is s...
10 months ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; April 11, 2024: The 2024 Saudi Open...
11 months ago
Tampa, United States [March 10&n...
11 months ago
Tampa, United States - [Date] &n...
11 months ago
[Riyadh, 18 Feb 2024] Thailand&r...
1 year ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [date] – The Aramco Saudi Ladies International pre...
1 year ago
Riyadh, 17 December, 2023:Thail teenager Denwit Boriboonsu...
1 year ago
Riyadh, 13 December 2023: Henrik Stenson, Kevin Na and Kieran Vincent al...
1 year ago
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 29...
1 year ago
Golf Saudi Ambassador Carlota Ciganda of Spain triumphed at Round Two of the...
March 18, Singapore:Young French star Pauline Roussin shot...
1 year ago
KAEC, Saudi Arabia, February 19, 2023: Lydia Ko proved her...
15 February, 2023 Muscat, Oman: Newly minted Saudi profess...
2 years ago
Jeddah, February 5: Abraham Ancer became the first player...
2 years ago
Jeddah, February 4: Mexico’s Abraham Ancer holds the lead at the PIF Sa...
2 years ago
Jeddah, February 3: Mexico’s Abraham Ancer and American Cameron Yo...
2 years ago
31 January (Jeddah): The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Inv...
2 years ago
January 24, 2023, King Abdullah Economic City: A strong field is taking...
2 years ago
2021 winner Ko, golf’s youngest ever World...
10 December, 2022, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Exceptional performance from 23-year...
December 12, King Abdullah Economic City: Harold Varner III has today confirm...
30 November, 2022, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: History will be made next week when...
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (12 November): 16-year-old Chiara Noja claimed her maide...
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (November 11, 2022): The Aramco Team Series Jeddah is pr...
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (November 10, 2022): A thrilling day’s action fini...
2 years ago
November 9, 2022: The prize money for the Ladies European Tour’s Aramco...
2 years ago
Hall returns to Jeddah following incredible recent success in King Abdullah E...
2 years ago
Jeddah, (July 20): The Aramco Team Series will return to Jeddah in November a...
2 years ago
Jeddah, (July 27): The Aramco Team Series returns to Jeddah in November and t...
