A strong group of Golf Saudi Ambassadors will join two-time defending champion Hyo Joo Kim at the 2026 Aramco Korea Championship, as the field continues to take shape ahead of the tournament at New Korea Country Club from October 8-11.
Korean-American LPGA players Danielle Kang and Alison Lee headline the Golf Saudi Ambassador contingent. They will be joined by Spanish Solheim Cup winner Carlota Ciganda, Germany’s Olivia Cowan, Dutch player Anne van Dam and Norwegian veteran Marianne Skarpnord.
Their participation adds further international depth to a field that will also feature South Korean Major champions Sung Hyun Park and Jeongeun Lee6, alongside Kim, who returns seeking an unprecedented third consecutive Aramco Korea Championship title.
Sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET) and staged as part of the PIF Global Series, the tournament carries a $2 million prize fund.
Golf Saudi Ambassadors strengthen international field
Golf Saudi has been a partner of the Ladies European Tour since 2020, with its support extending across the Tour’s season.
At New Korea Country Club, its ambassadors will compete against a strong domestic line-up led by Kim, Sung Hyun Park and Jeongeun Lee6.
Kang brings Major-winning experience to the field, while Lee is a Solheim Cup player and two-time LET winner. Ciganda is also a Solheim Cup winner, with Cowan, van Dam and five-time LET winner Skarpnord adding further European experience.
Golf Saudi’s wider work is also focused on increasing participation in Saudi Arabia. More than 15,000 people have registered for golf lessons, while over 4,000 remain on the waiting list. More than a third of those participants are women.
Through expanded academies and coaching programmes, Golf Saudi aims to increase the number of active golfers in the Kingdom from approximately 4,500 to more than 30,000 within five years.
Hyo Joo Kim returns in pursuit of a third consecutive title
Kim enters the 2026 tournament as the only champion in the event’s history.
She won the inaugural edition in 2024, finishing three strokes ahead of England’s Charley Hull. A year later, she successfully defended the title with a final-round 69 (-3), holding off Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini to secure the 25th professional victory of her career.
Victory in 2026 would give Kim three consecutive titles at New Korea Country Club, a feat no player has previously achieved across the PIF Global Series.
Kim targets another victory in front of home support
“Returning to New Korea Country Club is always special, but playing in front of home fans brings an entirely different level of energy,” said Hyo Joo Kim. “I am incredibly excited to be back competing at home and looking forward to giving the fans a great show.”
“New Korea Country Club demands precision, consistency, and patience-qualities I take pride in bringing to every round,” Kim added. “Defending that title last year was truly unforgettable, and heading into this year, the goal is clear: give everything to make it three in a row. The energy from the home crowd gives me an incredible lift, and I can’t wait to get back out there.”
From a chance encounter with golf to Major champion
Kim’s route into golf began unexpectedly at the age of seven in Wonju, South Korea.
While walking with her father to enrol at a local Taekwondo academy, she passed an indoor driving range and became interested in the sound of a golf ball being struck. Kim asked to try a shot, setting her on a different sporting path.
Her talent quickly became apparent. Fellow former World No. 1 Jin Young Ko recalled encountering Kim when they were young players in 2006:
“I was grinding my heart out just to break 92 over 18 holes, and Hyo Joo was out there casually shooting a 78. She was playing an entirely different sport from the rest of us.”
Kim later announced herself on the international stage at the 2014 Evian Championship, opening her first Major round with a 61 (-10) before going on to win the title.
Power and precision shape Kim’s game
Kim has become known for a simple approach to competition, summed up by her philosophy:
“Just don’t think and enjoy the round.”
She routinely avoids counting her score or closely following leaderboards during tournament play, instead focusing on rhythm and instinct.
Her physical preparation has also evolved as greater distance became increasingly important. Kim incorporated intensive strength training, including squats and leg presses of up to 240kg, helping her add around 15 yards off the tee.
That combination of power and precise iron play could prove particularly valuable around New Korea Country Club’s tight, tree-lined layout.
Kim will also have significant home support, with members of her official fan club, Shooting Star (슈팅스타), expected to line the fairways during her title defence.
Korean Major winners add to home challenge
Kim will not be the only Major-winning Korean player competing on home soil.
Sung Hyun Park and Jeongeun Lee6 are also confirmed for the October tournament, creating a strong group of domestic players alongside the defending champion.
Their presence, together with the Golf Saudi Ambassadors and wider international field, sets up four days of individual competition at New Korea Country Club.
Tickets are available as either single-day or full-event passes. Regular shuttle services will operate from Samseong Station, with the schedule to be announced.
Reserve Aramco Korea Championship tickets
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