Touchdown for American favourites as Aramco Team Series hits Tampa
Team captains Lexi Thompson, Megan Khang, Charley Hull, and Carlota Ciganda, bring their competitive spirit to the Solheim Cup challenge
A host of the world's top women’s golfers graced the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to kick off the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Tampa.
Among them were Charley Hull, Carlota Ciganda, Lexi Thompson, and Megan Khang, who launched the innovative team golf event taking place at Feather Sound Country Club, scheduled from March 8 to 10.
Team USA’s Thompson and Khang are looking to feed off the energy of the home crowd, as they battle for the team and individual titles in a competitive field of international fans.
Thompson is eager to win in her home state and add another title to her decorated achievements, after her last win on tour was at the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – New York in 2022.
“It would mean the world to me," said Thompson. "I love these events; they are so much fun and have a different format with a team format and individual as well. You get to play with an amateur so it's just a great event.”
Stood on the field of the Super Bowl LV champions in anticipation of the draft, where the 28 team captains select their one professional before another is randomly allocated, Thompson took in the unique venue.
“It's different. Just being a part of an NFL stadium and having the draft party. It's a cool experience just to be standing out here on the field. I mean, this is where a lot of intense games take place, so it's great to be a part of it.”
Fellow American and World No.13, Khang, makes her hotly anticipated debut at the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF this week, aiming to establish herself in the series and add claim her fifth professional win.
“I've heard all great things about the Aramco Team Series. A lot of friends have been trying to get me to come out and play it. I'm very happy that I'm making that first start, the whole team-picking process is new to me.
“I’m very excited to be here at the Raymond James Stadium, especially following in the footsteps of Tom Brady as a Patriots fan. I know it's going to be a lot of fun and I’m really excited for it to begin.”
Leading the charge for Team Europe are stalwart Charley Hull and veteran Carlota Ciganda, both of whom will be using their 2023 Solheim Cup heroics as motivation to bring a new level of intensity to the shores of Tampa.
Despite their camaraderie during the 2023 Solheim Cup, Hull and Ciganda now find themselves captain rivals this weekend, each driven to secure victory in Florida.
For Ciganda, the stakes are particularly high as the defending champion of the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Florida 2023, whilst also winning the Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF – Riyadh team event last time out in October 2023.
Meanwhile, World No.8 Charley Hull is seeking her fourth career win on American soil, and heading into the tournament as the highest ranked player, all eyes will be on the English star
The teams have been decided, with the 84 professionals and 28 amateurs now counting down to Friday for the launch of the first Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF event of the season.
With a $1 million prize fund across the team and individual events, three days of intense competition are in store and are not to be missed.
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Johnny joined GolfMagic as Reviews Editor in 2023 having worked for Sports Impact for two years as Head of Social Media, working alongside prominent golf brands including Galvin Green, Motocaddy and Wilson.
