The 2023 Ladies European Tour season starts this week with the Magical Kenya Ladies Open. This is the first event of a 30-event schedule that boasts a record 35 million euros (roughly $38million) in prize money. Three-time winner of the LET Meghan MacLaren is grateful for the insight into tour life a few years ago. Back then, the schedule was only half as big and it was possible not to finish 20th on any money list.
In late 2019, players voted for the LPGA/LET joint venture partnership. The goal was to use shared resources to strengthen the struggling tour and increase playing opportunities in Europe.
MacLaren said, “If we hadn’t had that partnership when Covid hit,” “I think many of us know that things will be drastically different now and that the tour might not even be operating at all. And I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that.”
During that time, however, there was another thing that happened to strengthen the LET: Aramco’s investment and the Public Investment Fund.
Aramco Team Series has five stops worldwide, including the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, which offers a $5 million prize. The total prize money for the six Saudi-backed events is $10 million.
Saudi money accounts for more than 40% of the remaining prize money with two majors accounting at $13.8 million.
The LET is now in a better position to attract more players to its tour. This contrasts with a few years ago when many fled to the Epson Tour in search of new opportunities.
This season, the minimum purse for the LET is 300,000. Last season, 11 events had purses less than 300,000. MacLaren sees the $1 million purse at La Sella Open in Spain as a sign of positive momentum, given that Aramco is not the sponsor.
The schedule also has a better flow of logistical information.
Striping it #RaiseOurGame | #MKLO2023 pic.twitter.com/vNVamNW52X
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf January 31, 2023
The LPGA-LET joint venture contract has three years remaining. For many months, the possibility of the LPGA merging into the LET has been a topic of discussion. The merger was expected to be approved by LET players in the latter part of last year, but it never happened.
It seems that the two sides are still trying to figure out what a possible merger might look like.
“So, at this point we did not ask for a vote. When Mollie Marcoux Samaan was asked about the matter at the CME Group Tour Championship last November, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA commissioner, said that she went on a tour.
“We just want to ensure that women’s golf has clear paths and that the best golfers can make a living playing it.
Both tours have players who are interested in learning more about the long-term visions for both tours. Many LET players are concerned that the tour’s identity is not lost. The LPGA will not limit the LPGA’s future potential with sponsors, such as Aramco.
One veteran player stated that many were able to relax about their financial worries after Marcoux Samaan, another tour official, and other players met separately last year. She said that while some remain skeptical, it seems likely that more people would support a merger.
LPGA officials stated that there is nothing new since the CME. Golfweek repeatedly requested to speak with LET officials but were not answered.
LET CEO Alexandra Armas (courtesy Aramco Team Series)
LPGA players are interested in more information, including the number of cards that will go to the top LET players as well as where these players rank relative to Epson Tour graduates on the LPGA priority lists.
South Africa’s Ashleigh Bulhai started her career on the LET. She believes that the competition on the LET is just as strong as the Epson Tour.
Buhai said, “They have to be honest with themselves and try to keep their cards over here.” That’s the hardest part. You’ve shown that you can compete and play at a high level. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t.”
Madelene Sagstrom from Sweden, who is a member both tours, stated last November at CME that she believes both sides are seeking more communication.
She said that “until we know what it would entail,” it was “really hard to make a decision.”
MacLaren examines the fracturing in men’s golf, and believes it would make sense to have the women’s tours more closely aligned.
Liz Young, a LET veteran and board member said that “God bless us if there is a LIV women’s tour.” “I don’t believe any tour can fight that,” she said.
Young also wants to see LPGA and LET merge. She cited that her No. Young’s number one goal as a board member would be to make it easier for players make a living.
Young stated, “Hopefully we can reach that point where it’s possible to be as one.” “Because that’s what I believe is the best for golf.”
The question of doing business with Saudi Arabia is clearly at the center of all this. An array of human rights violations Saudi Arabia has been accused, particularly towards women, make the Aramco events controversial.
The LPGA is able to distance itself from Aramco, while still being part of an alliance. However, observers wonder if the LET should be fully covered by the LPGA. This is because some LPGA sponsors may choose to separate themselves from the LPGA due to Aramco’s presence. If so, how many?
On the other side, LET players may wonder how much the LPGA might keep them from winning bigger purses at Aramco tournaments. Is the PIF putting so much money into LET that it becomes the LPGA’s competitor?
However, the flip side of that is that the LET becomes dependent on Saudi money and can’t exist without it. It’s impossible to predict how long the Saudis will continue to invest so heavily in women’s golf.
There are still many questions, but not enough answers. This is even from a philosophical perspective.
MacLaren said, “We’re always talking about hypotheticals.”
Meghan MacLaren, England, tees on the 18th hole of the ISPS Handa World Invitational presented AVIV Clinics, Galgorm Castle Golf Club, on August 11, 2022, in Galgorm Co Antrim, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
The 28-year old Englishwoman is now one of the most thoughtful golfers. MacLaren was firm in her early days, skipping Saudi events due to concerns about sportswashing. She said that playing in Saudi Arabia didn’t align with her values.
She has now committed to participating in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, which is expected to be a big-money event. MacLaren stated that she made the decision not lightly but Saudi Arabia is continuing to increase its presence in other sports such as golf, so she decided to reconsider.
MacLaren said, “At some point you must reconcile.” “This is my competitive nature and profession verses how I want to live. What are you willing to stand for?
“You can only speak to a point. But, I also know that the better and more well-known I am as a golfer, the louder my voice will be.”
While MacLaren is still wrestling with difficult questions, she has decided that playing in big events, and staying in the game, is the best way to promote change.
MacLaren stated, “At the end the day money is power.” “We live in a world that accepts that truth. Your choice of how you use the money will reflect your character.
This is because LET players competing to win Saudi money have been subject to far less criticism and attention than male LIV players. MacLaren stated that people don’t care nearly as much. She said that women’s golf’s profile is much lower than men’s, and she pointed out that not 15 journalists are present at press conferences asking difficult questions.
She stated that she doesn’t believe the coverage of golf is equal and the criticism is not at the same level.
At least for now.
