- England’s Rhodes looking to extend dazzling form as the Golf Saudi-backed PIF Global Series makes its first-ever stop in golfing hub of Texas
Being back in Texas for this week’s Aramco Houston Championship, the fourth and penultimate stop in this season’s PIF Global Series, is a timely reminder for England’s Mimi Rhodes that she justifiably belongs among the very best players in the game.
Less than three months ago, on her previous visit to the Lone Star state, Rhodes had serious doubts after she missed the cut in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship held at PGA Frisco.
Rhodes carded successive 76s to make an early exit in the third women’s major championship of the year, and she was not at all sure that she belonged in such elite company.
Fast forward to this week, however, and Rhodes is one of the favourites to win the fourth of five Golf Saudi-backed PIF Global Series events on the 2025 Ladies European Tour. Hardly surprising, given that she leads both the LET Order of Merit and the Rookie of the Year rankings after winning three times so far this season.
“This year has gone above and beyond,” Rhodes said with a beaming smile after playing nine holes in practice at Golfcrest Country Club in Pearland on Wednesday.
“It’s not that I didn’t have high expectations for myself — I knew I was capable of getting a win — but to have three already in my first year has given me such a boost in confidence.
“It’s proven to me that I belong here and that I can compete with the best players in the world.”
The PIF Global Series is enjoying its first visit to Houston as the Golf Saudi-backed event looks to extend its reputation for showcasing the world’s greatest female golfers on iconic global stages.
Midway through this year, Rhodes felt that she was piling too many expectations upon herself but all that changed after she missed the cut at both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the July 10 – 13 Amundi Evian Championship.
“My first major was the KPMG in Texas, and I put so much pressure on myself being around such big names that I felt like I didn’t belong,” said Rhodes. “But people around me reminded me that I’m good enough to be here. I learned a lot after KPMG and Evian — especially after missing those cuts.
“It made me realise it’s still my first year, I’m still gaining experience, and it’s amazing that I’ve already played three majors. Now I’m just focused on learning and improving. If another win comes, great. If not, there’s still plenty of time in this game.”
Asked if there was a specific moment where she finally believed that she belonged in elite golf company, Rhodes replied: “It was gradual. Playing in those big events and missing cuts knocked my confidence a bit. But then coming back to the smaller LET events, getting top 20s or top 30s, that really boosted my confidence going into the AIG.”
Rhodes tied for 19th at the final women’s major of the year, the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl, after posting a 1-under total of 287.
“At the AIG, I went in with such an open mind, and that took some of the pressure off, especially with it being so close to home,” she said. “So yeah, it wasn’t one moment — just a steady build in belief.”
Rhodes, who turned professional after the 2024 Curtis Cup, made a strong start to the 2025 LET season with victories at the Ford Women’s NSW Open in March, the Joburg Ladies Open in April and the Dutch Ladies Open in May.
“I’ve worked really hard on my putting, and when I saw the difference it made, I just kept at it,” she said. “My game overall is pretty consistent right now, so even small adjustments can make a huge difference any given week. I feel like I’ve got all the elements needed to win — it’s just about putting them together at the right time.”
Based on her early practice rounds at Golfcrest Country Club, Rhodes very much likes the look of the course.
“It actually suits my game pretty well,” she smiled. “I’m good off the tee, and most of the tee shots here are driver, so it’s about finding the fairway and then it’s fairly straightforward from there. The greens are rolling really nicely, so I’ll just make sure I take a good look at them and work closely with my caddie.”
Golf Saudi’s event at Golfcrest not only gives a platform to the world’s finest players, but also creates opportunities for newcomers to the game with Go Golf clinics in operation throughout the week as well as workshops and sessions dedicated to sustainability.
Tickets are now available, starting at $15 for Friday, $20 for Saturday and Sunday, or grab a full weekend pass for just $50. Please visit this link.
For more details on the PIF Global Series and the Aramco Houston Championship, visit www.pifglobalseries.com
