England’s Mimi Rhodes backed up a stellar opener in round two of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club on Thursday, moving into an outright lead as the competition intensifies heading into the weekend.
The 24-year-old, who captured the Ladies European Tour (LET) 2025 Rookie of the Year, posted a determined score of 69 to move to an overall total of 11-under-par, leading by one.
Rhodes is being chased closely by South Africa’s Casandra Alexander and Japan’s Chizzy Iwai, while Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, a former LET Rookie of the Year with 12 professional wins, sits one shot further back in tied fourth alongside Japan’s Rio Takeda.
England’s Charley Hull lies four back from her compatriot alongside past champion Patty Tavatanakit, as a stacked leaderboard sets the stage for a big weekend in Riyadh.
Reflecting on her mindset, and how she has approached the week so far, Rhodes said:
“Honestly, I was so excited. Having two months off competitive golf, it’s so long, but I just got back into the swing of things. Holing putts is my main goal out there and having the greens rolling really nicely is definitely an advantage for that. I’m just taking it chill out there and being patient.
“I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself, but obviously it’s a big event, one of the PIF Global Series, so I wanted to do well, and start with a cut made, I’ve done more than that. I think I can be proud of myself and now just see what happens. I’m happy.”
Investing in women’s sports, beyond the leaderboard
The second day of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club also highlighted Golf Saudi’s investment in the future of women’s sport, moving beyond the greens to foster a culture of leadership and professional development.
The WiMENA (Women in Middle East and North Africa) programme brought together trailblazing women from Saudi Arabia and beyond, sparking dialogue and professional growth alongside the tournament.
Panels featured pioneering Saudi athletes including Olympian Kariman Abuljadayel, one of the Kingdom’s most recognisable track and field trailblazers, alongside Razan Al-Ajmi, Saudi Arabia’s first female skydiver, the Saudi National Rugby Team and other prominent Olympians and sports figures.
The speakers shared journeys filled with resilience and ambition, highlighting how the tournament provides a vital platform for cross-disciplinary leadership and inspires young women to become leaders in any field, from the boardroom to the open sea.
Saudi Rugby National Team member Ameerah Marghalani said:
“I want to see the support for sports grow exponentially across the country. My vision is to see more young girls and women joining the sporting community, not just in major cities, but across every corner of Saudi Arabia.”
Golf as a gateway
On site at Riyadh Golf Club on Thursday also, more than 200 young students have been getting to grips with golf courtesy of Golf Saudi’s team of PGA Professionals in Go Golf clinics, with the aim of using sport as a means for change for a better future.
With Rhodes leading the field heading into the weekend, the PIF Saudi Ladies International continues to deliver both world-class competition and a wider statement on the growth of women’s sport in the region.
Tickets remain available via webook.com, with further information at pifglobalseries.com.
