Golf-LPGA reaches deal to sanction Saudi-backed tournament in Las Vegas

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(Reuters) -The LPGA on Wednesday announced a new co-sanctioned event with the Ladies European Tour in partnership with Golf Saudi, marking the first tournament on a U.S. tour with backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The Aramco Championship, a PIF Global Series event, will be held April 2-5, 2026, at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas and feature a $4 million purse that is among the highest outside of the five women’s majors played each year.

Craig Kessler, who took over as LPGA Commissioner in July, said in a press release the Aramco Championship is “exactly where we’re headed in building the global schedule for our tour.

“We often talk about routing, courses and purses — and this event checks every box: a spectacular West Coast setting, an iconic course and a purse that continues our momentum in raising the bar for our athletes.

“We also recognise that partnerships like this — built on the LET’s longstanding collaboration with Golf Saudi and PIF — can help strengthen the women’s game on a global scale and elevate opportunities for our athletes.”

The Aramco Championship is part of the LET’s 2026 PIF Global Series that will also feature tournaments in Riyadh, Korea, Britain and China.

At Shadow Creek, a 120-player field featuring top players from both tours will compete in a 72-hole stroke-play format.

“We’re proud to partner with the LPGA and LET to host this world-class event at Shadow Creek,” said Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza.

“The Aramco Championship reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing women’s golf globally and creating opportunities that inspire future generations of players.”

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in TorontoEditing by Christian Radnedge)