Unexpected extended overseas adventure for Myerscough golf students

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International, part of the European Tour series, is an exciting and revolutionary event that celebrates the power of women’s golf, and the tournament has become one of the most prestigious women’s golf events in the world.

The students, who were all undertaking the trip courtesy of event organisers, attended in a scoring and caddying capacity for the week, which is hoped will become an annual opportunity as part of Myerscough’s HE Degree provision.

The event provided another unique opportunity that Myerscough students are offered as part of their course enrichment, gaining invaluable ‘inside the ropes’ experience, working and rubbing shoulders with a host of stars from the golfing world.

The week-long event took place at Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia, saw Myerscough students invited by the Ladies European Tour (LET), ARAMCO, Golf Saudi & Performance 54 (the event's promoter) to assist with the tournament operations and logistics in terms of on-course scoring duties, event marshalling and TV support crew members.

A group of 33 students and staff were fortunate to travel to Riyadh, once again working 'inside the ropes' with some of the world's best lady golfers, including Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson & Georgia Hall to name but a few.

The event took place over the four rounds and was won by Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit.

Following the conclusion of the event, the group encountered an unexpected extra stay in the country, after issues with the return travel back to the UK.

Rick Daniels, Myerscough College and University Centre’s Golf Performance Director, said: ‘’After the event was completed, we were invited by the aforementioned organisers to host our own tournament over the same Championship course to the same Sunday pin flags which challenged the leaders the day before.

‘’Golf buggies, golf clubs, balls, food and drink were countlessly laid on for the group, as well as prizes on the day. A truly memorable event from start to finish, or so we thought!

‘’Upon returning to our hotel after play, in preparation to return home that evening, we discovered our flights had been cancelled due to a Lufthansa strike in Germany, where we were due to land and connect to Manchester.

‘’We ended up staying in Riyadh until flights could be rearranged for us, especially as we were such a large group. The Tour and traveling staff members helped to facilitate a trip for the students to watch Ronaldo play for the local team, Al Nassr, whilst we were 'stuck' there.

‘’We were so well looked after by the Tour and Promoters, moving us to another amazing hotel in Riyadh to accommodate us at such short notice, ensuring we had everything we needed to be comfortable, and even laid on another golf day for us whilst we waited, this time at Dirab GC - Nothing was too much trouble!

‘’We were even able to facilitate small academic sessions within the hotel to 'kill time' until we could safely return home.

‘’Since returning back to the UK, and in praise of the groups continual fantastic efforts and professionalism at the three events we have supported with this year in Saudi, we have been asked to support the ARAMCO Team Series (ATS) event in London (3-5th July), the LIV Golf JCB G&CC event, and also return to Riyadh once again in November to support the ARAMCO Team Series Finals, with yet another large traveling group.’’

‘’These are fantastic, bespoke, industry placement opportunities for our new and existing student groups, that compliment the other DP World Tour opportunities that we also provide at the BMW PGA Championship (Wentworth), and Alfred Dunhill Links Championships (St. Andrews).’’

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