Mimi Rhodes Takes Lead After Second Round of PIF Saudi Ladies International

England’s Mimi Rhodes surged into the lead after the second round of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club, continuing her impressive start to the PIF Global Series 2026 opener.

The 24-year-old, recognized as the Ladies European Tour’s 2025 Rookie of the Year, posted a two-day score of 11-under-par, firing a 69 in round two to hold a one-stroke advantage over South Africa’s Casandra Alexander and Japan’s Chizzy Iwai.

Former LET Rookie of the Year Carlota Ciganda of Spain, now a 12-time professional winner, sits just behind in a tie for fourth alongside Japan’s Rio Takeda. Eight players share sixth place, while England’s Charley Hull trails Rhodes by four strokes, tied with past champion Patty Tavatanakit.

Reflecting on her performance, Rhodes said, “Honestly, I was so excited. After two months away from competitive golf, it feels great to be back in the swing of things. My focus is on holing putts, and the greens are rolling beautifully. I’ve tried to stay patient and not put too much pressure on myself. This is a major event in the PIF Global Series, and I’m proud of my start. Now I’ll just see what happens.”

The second day also highlighted efforts to promote women in sports through Golf Saudi’s WiMENA (Women in Middle East and North Africa) panels. The discussions featured pioneering Saudi athletes, including sprinter Kariman Abuljadayel, who set a Guinness World Record in open water rowing, and Razan Al-Ajmi, Saudi Arabia’s first female skydiver. Members of the national women’s rugby team and other Olympians also participated.

Ameera Marghalani, a member of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering female rugby squad, said, “I want to see support for sports grow exponentially across the country. My vision is for more young girls and women to join the sporting community, not just in major cities but throughout Saudi Arabia.”

The event underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s participation in sports while showcasing international talent in the PIF Global Series.