Behind the scenes at the Aramco Team Series – London

The third of a five-part series, the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – London takes place at Centurion Club from 3 – 5 July.

I went along on Tuesday, the day of the Pro-Am, to catch up with some of the players ahead of the tournament and get a sneaky preview of what’s to come over the next few days.

Alison Lee as focused as ever

In what will be her first appearance at the Aramco Team Series since Riyadh in 2023, Alison Lee is looking to replicate her record-breaking score again this year, but this time in London.

“I have a lot of good memories from Saudi last year. I shot my lowest round ever and just had a really good stretch of golf around that time. I always love playing in these events and having that team aspect is always fun.”

I personally love team golf; the dynamics, the camaraderie, the drama. It’s actually one of the reasons I held off turning professional for a few years because I thought there would be fewer opportunities to play golf. I’m all for traditional formats of the game (of course), but I really think more team events could go a long way in helping solve our how-do-we-get-more-women-into golf dilemma.

And I was really interested to hear what Lee thought.

“Golf is always intrinsically an individual sport, and we still have to focus on our own games, but adding a team element is definitely fun. It just makes golf a bit more relaxing,” Lee commented.

“I’d definitely like to see more team events. I don’t want to play team stuff every single time – playing as an individual and being in the moments under pressure is a lot of fun. But definitely having these events once in a while brings a bit of excitement to the season.”

George Hall ready to defend team title

Major winner Georgia Hall, who captained her team to a one-stroke victory in 2023, is making a rare appearance on the Ladies European Tour (LET), as she returns to Centurion Club with another win in her sights.

“I was really happy to get the win last year. I had a really good team and we all contributed to our score. I won’t have the same team this year, but we’ll do our best and it’s nice to play a different format so I’m really looking forward to it.

“It is nice because I don't really play on this Tour that much. I love supporting it, but I don't know many of the girls, so it's a great chance to meet them, especially the rookies on tour and get to know them a little bit more.”

Hall is relishing being back on home soil ahead of a monumental summer in women’s golf, including the Summer Olympics in Paris. She heads into this week off the back of another team event – the LPGA’s Dow Championship – where she finished in 5^th place with Solheim Cup teammate and bestie Charley Hull.

“I think I've done the hard bit this year already, for me, personally, anyway. I love playing at home and I get to stay at home this week, which is a massive bonus because I'm doing six events in a row.

“I can get some energy back, especially as it is a three-day event. I'm really excited to play in the Olympics, also with Charley, and we will stay together there too. Then there is the Scottish Open and AIG Women's Open at the best golf course in the world [Old Course St Andrews], so I’m really excited for that.”

Bronte Law: “It’s always nice to play in front of a home crowd”

Returning to Centurion this week is also a chance for Englishwoman Bronte Law to play on home soil again. “It’s always nice to play in front of a home crowd and I’m excited to be back at Centurion. The course looks great. I think it will play well – fast and firm.”

Law’s had a good season so far and has somewhat of a proven track record when it comes to performing individually in the Aramco Team Series events. But now she’s looking to claim her first team title.

“I’ve never won the team event before so that’s something I’d really like to do and to do it here on home turf would be very special.”

So, what are her tactics?

“You’ve got to build on the team morale and take responsibility as a captain to keep everyone positive.

“I think it’s about making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. The successful teams are always the ones where everyone is having a good time and is relaxed.

“Then there’s the individual part. My aim this week is to play as aggressively as possible, make as many birdies as I can and get off to a hot start with it only being three rounds.

“I finished third in Tampa. I really enjoy this event and the team environment, so I will just keep trying to build on that.”

I also asked Law, if you could put together an all-star team of women golfers from any era, who would be in your dream team? “Lorena Ochoa, Nelly Korda and Annika Sörenstam, ” she confidently replied.

As if Law hasn’t got enough on her plate, she’s getting married later this year. So of course, I couldn’t pass on the chance to ask her how the planning is going (and how on Earth she’s managing to balance everything!).  

“Last night I was up until midnight doing table plans! It’s a challenge, obviously, but I am really looking forward to it.”

Can Alice Hewson maintain momentum after Swiss victory?

Fresh off her impressive win after a playoff at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open in Switzerland, Alice Hewson is hoping the momentum will see her to another victory this week. And it would be particularly sweet given she grew up just 10 minutes from the Hertfordshire club.

“It’s a quick turnaround that’s for sure! And I’m a bit tired after all of the travelling and the excitement, but very excited to be back at home now. I’m attached here and whilst I obviously don’t get to play it much anymore, it is really special to be back.

“I love playing in front of family and friends. They don’t get the opportunity to come to many tournaments.

“I grew up 10 minutes away from here and a lot of the women who sort of got me into golf and nurtured me into the game will be watching this week, so again it’s just great to be able to play in front of them.”

Of course, team dynamics can be quite different from individual play, and I wondered how Hewson mentally switches between focusing on her game and supporting her teammates during these events.

“The team aspect is so much fun but the best way for me to help my team is to do my own thing and play my own game. I get to have a say in who I have my own team, to an extent, and more often than not I pick people I can have fun with because that’s when I play my best golf.

“I just have to stick to my own game and try to make as many birdies as I can.”

Far from an average fan experience

One thing was clear at Centurion today: There is a real focus on the fan experience.

Today is the Pro-Am, so it’s pretty chilled. But even still it was easy to see that this isn’t a typical fan zone set-up, and it’s obvious that the team behind the Aramco Series are trying to change the landscape of fan engagement.

Music’s pumping everywhere, there’s a bar and pop-up food stalls, an area for children, and golf challenges dotted around. And it’s all located between the driving range and the first tee, so you’re in the middle of the action too.

It's entertaining, engaging and cool. And it was we need more of in professional events.

Tickets and more about the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF

The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF is a unique event featuring 36 teams, each consisting of three professionals and one amateur, competing over two days for the team title. The professionals will also compete for the individual title with an additional day of competition.

You can still purchase tickets for the event at Centurion Club from 3 – 5 July, and you'll save 50% when you use our exclusive promo code WG50.

Buy now >