Find out how the LPGA’s top players are split this week between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia

As the LPGA and LET tours approach the end of their seasons, the global golfing world is divided this week between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. The LPGA is making its return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017, with the Maybank Championship taking place at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. This inaugural event boasts a generous $3 million purse, making it one of the most lucrative tournaments on the LPGA tour outside of the major championships. The winner will receive a whopping $450,000. This tournament is the third out of four stops on the LPGA’s Asian swing and serves as an important opportunity for players to secure their spot in the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, which offers a staggering $7 million purse.

On the other hand, the LET players will gather in Saudi Arabia for the fifth and final event in the Aramco Team Series. Held at the Riyadh Golf Club, this two-day team event includes both professionals and amateurs, with the top 60 professionals and ties advancing to the final round to compete for the individual stroke-play title. However, the LET’s affiliation with Saudi Arabia has stirred controversy due to the nation’s extensive record of human rights abuses, particularly against women.

Let’s take a closer look at the key aspects of these two tournaments:

1. Notable Players:
– The world’s top-ranked player, Lilia Vu, who has already won two major championships this year, will be participating in her second Aramco event this month, alongside fourth-ranked Minjee Lee and last week’s BMW Ladies Championship winner, Alison Lee.
– Six of the top ten players in the world will be competing in Malaysia, including Ruoning Yin (ranked second), Jin Young Ko (ranked third), Celine Boutier (ranked fifth), Nelly Korda (ranked sixth), Lydia Ko (ranked ninth), and Allisen Corpuz (ranked tenth).

2. Solheim Cup Stars:
– Several members of Team Europe, who emerged victorious in the recent Solheim Cup, will be in Saudi Arabia, including Carlota Ciganda, who secured the winning point, Georgia Hall, Charley Hull, and Caroline Hedwall. Hedwall made a memorable comeback during the Solheim Cup by birdieing five of the last six holes, propelling Team Europe to victory.

3. LET Qualification:
– With only three tournaments remaining on the LET schedule, players are making a final push to secure their spots in the remaining competitions in Spain and maintain their LET cards for 2024. The top 70 in the Race to Costa del Sol rankings will earn Category 4 status for next year, with the top 64 participants gaining entry to the Mallorca Ladies Open and Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España.

4. Nelly Korda’s Chance for Redemption:
– Nelly Korda, who was a rookie on the LPGA tour when it last visited Kuala Lumpur, is eager to make a strong comeback in Malaysia. The warm temperatures and Bermuda grass remind her of her hometown, and she hopes to gain momentum before defending her title at the Pelican tournament in Florida. In 2015, Nelly’s older sister, Jessica, won the Malaysian tournament.

5. Ruoning Yin’s Impressive Season:
– China’s Ruoning Yin, who has already won two tournaments this season, is thrilled to be part of the Asian swing on the tour. After recently competing in China for the first time in four years, Yin is now heading to Malaysia with the opportunity to become the top-ranked player in the world again, especially with Lilia Vu competing in Saudi Arabia this week. Yin’s remarkable season includes seven top-5 finishes, placing her third in the Race to CME Globe Points List, the Official Money List, and the Rolex Player of the Year standings.

This story was originally published on GolfWeek.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.