The Aramco Championship becomes the first Saudi-funded tournament officially sanctioned by the LPGA Tour.
A new name at a familiar venue: The LPGA Tour returns to Shadow Creek in 2026, but this time with a twist. Instead of the traditional match play format, players will compete in a classic stroke play event — the Aramco Championship. Scheduled for late March at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas, this marks the first time a tournament from Saudi Arabia’s PIF Global Series will be officially sanctioned by the LPGA Tour. Co-hosted with the Ladies European Tour (LET), the event boasts a $4 million purse, making it one of the most lucrative on the LPGA calendar outside the majors.
New LPGA Commissioner Makes a Bold Move
Since taking over as LPGA Commissioner in July 2025, Craig Kessler has made the Aramco Championship one of his first major initiatives. Calling it a “perfect package,” Kessler says the tournament reflects both the competitive and commercial direction of the tour. Even before officially assuming his role, he visited PIF Global Series events in London and Riyadh — suggesting this move was long in the making. Now, the LPGA brings the series to U.S. soil, with Kessler emphasizing the global expansion of the tour and the event’s alignment with its strategic goals.
However, the partnership with Saudi Arabia has sparked criticism within the golf community. While the deal offers increased prize money, global exposure, and new venues for female athletes, it also introduces a political dimension that remains largely unaddressed publicly. Kessler claims player feedback has been mostly positive, but questions remain about the level of internal consensus and whether viable alternatives were considered.
Controversy Over Saudi Involvement
Human rights organizations have long criticized partnerships with Saudi state-controlled entities. The Saudi government is internationally known for its restrictive policies on women, lack of legal equality, and suppression of female activists. In this context, the LPGA’s collaboration with Golf Saudi — a state-run initiative — appears to contradict the tour’s public commitment to empowering women globally. Former player Lisa Cornwell voiced strong concerns on social media, questioning the LPGA’s integrity in aligning with Saudi interests.
To anyone who still wonders if sportswashing works, here’s your answer: The LPGA is now officially in business with Saudi Arabia.
My support for this tour has always been about more than golf — it’s about opening doors for women, breaking ceilings, and giving young girls role… https://t.co/nC5f8TZP6U