By PIF Global Series
Rising stars Chiara Tamburlini and Mimi Rhodes are ready to set the tone at this week’s Aramco Korea Championship, as part of the newly launched PIF Global Series as they take on captaincy roles in the innovative team format at New Korea Country Club.
The former teammates arrive in Korea with strong early-season form, and their roles as captains reflect the growing confidence and presence of the game’s next generation.
England’s Rhodes has made a blistering start to her 2025 season, capturing her first two Ladies European Tour titles with victories at the Joburg Ladies Open and the Ford Women’s NSW Open – a remarkable rise since turning professional in 2024.
Rhodes said, “I think I’m in a really good place right now following those two wins. My game still feels fresh, even after having three weeks off. It was great to go back and reset with my team. This is the start of a long stretch of events, so I’m just excited to get going again.
“I actually wasn’t expecting to be a captain, but there was talk that I might be. So yeah, it gave me a little confidence boost today and showed me I could be up there with the big names. It gave me a bit more authority, I guess. It’s just pretty cool to be able to pick my own team, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Tamburlini was the star of the 2024 Ladies European Tour campaign having won three titles in South Africa, France and Taiwan taking home the Rookie of the Year award as well as the Order of Merit.
She was also the winning team captain in Shenzhen and Riyadh last year becoming the first team captain to win back-to-back team titles in the same year.
“I’m very excited for this week. I always love these team events, and being captain is really fun,” said Tamburlini. “I think it’s cool to pick players I enjoy being around, because it’s a long round and it’s nice to have good company. As captain, there’s a bit of responsibility to guide the team and keep the energy up. You want everyone to be having fun and fighting for every shot.
“I had a couple of top-10s on the LET in South Africa, which was great. I also played my first major in the U.S. recently – that was a huge learning experience. I had some really good conversations with my team last week, and I’m hoping to put those lessons into action this week. My game feels good, and I know a lot of it comes down to the mental side – staying in it regardless of how the ball-striking is. I feel ready.”
The pair are not only used to playing alongside each other – all be it this time in a different team – but Rhodes was in Chiara’s winning team in Riyadh in 2024 which was her maiden Aramco Team Series event now known as the PIF Global Series.
The Aramco Korea Championship is organised by Golf Saudi and is all to play for as the first round tees off tomorrow, the 9th of May.
For ticket purchases and further event details, visit aramco-korea.tixr.com
