Runzhi Pang, Xinyu Cao and Yuai Ji are all looking forward to being able to play in this week’s Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Shenzhen at Mission Hills China.
It is the fourth Aramco Team Series presented by PIF event of the year following Tampa in March, Korea in May and London in July.
The Team competition is 36 holes with the best two scores on each hole counting towards the team score. The Individual competition is a 54-hole stroke play with a cut to the top-60 professionals and ties after 36 holes.
The field of 84 professionals sees seven invites, 57 Ladies European Tour (LET) players and 20 CLPGA players teeing it up.
For 17-year-old Pang, it will be her first time competing in the format and the number one on the CLPGA ranking is looking forward to it.
“I feel fresh, I don’t have any big strategies, I want to have fun,” said Pang. “It’s my first time playing the team event which is two days. I look forward to getting to know my new teammates and playing well together.
“I feel very honoured. I am very happy to be with LET and LPGA players, I haven’t played on the LET or LPGA before. I don’t think the course is too difficult, the difficulty lies in the edge of the green. There are many high bunkers and the greens are hard.”
19-year-old Ji has two wins on the CLPGA in 2024 and is honoured to be able to participate in the tournament.
Ji won the FILA Golf Women’s Classic in September and has made some adjustments to her game but hopes she can take advantage of the par-fives.
“I have only participated in separate competitions between teams and individuals before,” said Ji. “This is the first time for me to participate in such competition and I am curious and excited about it.
“I am very honoured to learn from other players. I’ve played in the Buick Race of CLPGA before, but it’s the first time to participate in a competition where they’re playing songs on the course and the tee box.
“I adjusted my movements and clubs after winning the championship, but the effect was not very good. Fortunately, when I tried yesterday, I felt a little better, hoping to play a good role. There are several short holes on this course. I think the par-five is a great advantage for me and I can play an advantage from a long distance, but I have pressure off the tee on some holes here.”
Meanwhile, Xinyu Cao has played in the tournament before as an amateur teeing it up in Singapore in 2023, but it will be her first time as a professional.
“I participated in this competition as an amateur in Singapore last year, the format is quite interesting,” said Cao. “My team came in ninth place. There are many LET and LPGA players I have seen on TV, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to play and compete with them up close.
“I have seen their practice habits and methods in the past two days, and I have gained a lot from them. I am confident about my driving. The greens are hard and you need to practice around the green.”
Follow all the action throughout the tournament on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #RaiseOurGame #SEETheImpact.
