Indian golfer Pranavi Urs has made waves in the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF in Riyadh, marking her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour (LET) with an impressive performance. With a solid 3-under 69 in the second round, Pranavi moved into the Top 20, now tied for 18th place with one round to go. Her round featured five birdies against two bogeys, showcasing her potential and skill in a competitive international field.
The Aramco Team Series event, held at the Riyadh Golf Club, has brought together some of the world’s top female golfers. This event, which is the final installment of the five USD 1 million Aramco Team Series, has seen some remarkable performances, including standout rounds from Pia Babnik, Fatima Fernandez Cano, and Charley Hull. As Pranavi and other golfers compete for top honors, the tournament highlights both individual brilliance and team success.
Pranavi Urs’ Standout Performance in Riyadh
Pranavi’s 3-under 69 was a significant improvement over her first round, as she found her rhythm and capitalized on scoring opportunities. Her round began on the 10th hole, and three of her five birdies came in a strong four-hole stretch from the 15th to the 18th. This scoring spree boosted her up the leaderboard and kept her in contention for a top finish.
With her rookie season on the LET, Pranavi’s performance in Riyadh reflects her growth as a player. She has shown resilience and consistency, key qualities for excelling at the international level. For Indian golf, her progress marks a step forward, as young talents like her continue to represent the country on global platforms.
Diksha Dagar’s Steady Play
Another Indian golfer, Diksha Dagar, also competed in the Aramco Team Series. After a par round on the first day, Diksha carded a 1-under 71 in the second round. Her round included three birdies against two bogeys, but she remains further down the leaderboard in tied-58th place. Although not her best performance, Diksha’s steady play shows her ability to remain composed under challenging conditions.
Both Pranavi and Diksha’s presence in the tournament reflects the rise of Indian women’s golf, as they continue to gain experience on the LET and other international circuits.
The Field Leaders: Pia Babnik and Fatima Fernandez Cano
While Pranavi impressed, Slovenia’s Pia Babnik leads the individual competition with a commanding 14-under score. Babnik displayed remarkable control, hitting all 18 greens in regulation—a feat that highlights her precision and consistency. With such a performance, she has set a high bar for her competitors and remains the player to beat.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Fatima Fernandez Cano recorded a sensational 10-under 62, the best round of the day. Cano’s bogey-free round saw her climb the leaderboard swiftly, making her a strong contender for the title. Her round was defined by sharp iron play and precise putting, helping her secure one of the lowest rounds in the tournament’s history.
England’s Charley Hull also delivered a strong performance, scoring 5-under 67 despite an early bogey. Hull’s impressive back nine, where she carded five birdies, kept her within striking distance of the leaders. Her consistent play and ability to recover from mistakes have kept her competitive throughout the tournament.
Historic Win for Team Tamburlini
The Aramco Team Series also includes a team competition, and this year’s Riyadh event saw Team Tamburlini make history. Swiss golfer Chiara Tamburlini led her team, which included France’s Anne-Charlotte Mora, England’s Mimi Rhodes, and amateur Tenniel Chun, to a record-breaking victory. They finished at 43-under-par, securing a remarkable 10-shot win—the largest margin in the history of the Aramco Team Series.
Starting the day with a six-shot lead, Team Tamburlini continued their aggressive play, combining for a score of 20-under on the final day. This collective effort resulted in a dominant win and showcased the power of teamwork in the competitive golfing arena. Tamburlini’s back-to-back victories as a team captain further established her leadership and skill, adding another highlight to the 2023 season.
Pranavi’s Journey on the LET: A Promising Start
Pranavi Urs, in her first season on the LET, has shown significant promise. Competing against seasoned players, she has held her own, and her performance in Riyadh has solidified her standing among rising stars. Her ability to bounce back and adapt to the challenges of a competitive field speaks volumes about her potential.
As Indian women’s golf continues to grow, players like Pranavi represent a new wave of talent that can make an impact internationally. Her progress and Diksha Dagar’s consistent participation on the LET and other global platforms are helping to elevate Indian women’s golf, inspiring future players and drawing attention to the sport within India.
Key Highlights from the Aramco Team Series – Riyadh
The Aramco Team Series in Riyadh has delivered thrilling performances and memorable moments. Here are some of the key highlights from the tournament:
- Pia Babnik’s Lead: With a score of 14-under, Babnik showcased remarkable precision, hitting all 18 greens in regulation and positioning herself as the top individual contender.
- Fatima Fernandez Cano’s Record Round: Cano’s 10-under 62, a bogey-free round, was one of the best performances seen in the tournament, reflecting her incredible skill and focus.
- Charley Hull’s Back Nine Surge: Hull’s five birdies on the back nine helped her secure a 5-under 67, keeping her in close contention with the leaders and demonstrating her ability to deliver under pressure.
- Team Tamburlini’s Record-Breaking Victory: Team Tamburlini’s 43-under-par finish, with a 10-shot margin, set a new record in the Aramco Team Series, underscoring the strength of teamwork and strategic play.
- Pranavi Urs’ Impressive Performance: Pranavi’s 3-under 69 and her position in the Top 20 show her potential and growth as she navigates her rookie season on the LET.
The Growth of Indian Women’s Golf on the International Stage
The success of players like Pranavi Urs and Diksha Dagar marks a positive shift for Indian women’s golf. The exposure and experience gained from competing in international tournaments like the Aramco Team Series provide invaluable learning opportunities for these players. Competing against the world’s best allows them to test their skills, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain confidence to pursue more significant achievements.
As Pranavi, Diksha, and other emerging players continue to represent India internationally, they bring attention to the growth of golf in India. Their performances also inspire a new generation of golfers, encouraging more young women to consider golf as a professional career.
Looking Ahead: The Final Round in Riyadh
With one round remaining in Riyadh, all eyes will be on Pia Babnik as she aims to secure her lead in the individual competition. Fatima Fernandez Cano and Charley Hull remain strong contenders, ready to challenge for the top spot. For Pranavi Urs, the final round presents a chance to move further up the leaderboard and finish her tournament on a high note.
Pranavi’s performance in Riyadh, whether she finishes in the Top 20 or higher, serves as a milestone in her LET journey. As she continues to gain experience and refine her game, Pranavi has the potential to become one of India’s leading golfers on the global stage.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Indian Golf
The Aramco Team Series in Riyadh has been a memorable event, with Pranavi Urs’ impressive performance standing out as a highlight for Indian golf. Her strong showing in the second round, combined with the historic achievements of players like Pia Babnik and Fatima Fernandez Cano, has made this tournament one to remember.
For Pranavi and Diksha, competing at this level is a testament to their hard work and dedication. As they continue to make strides in their careers, they bring pride to Indian golf and inspire the next generation of players. With continued support and development, Indian women’s golf has the potential to grow and thrive on the international stage, with players like Pranavi Urs leading the way.
