Alison Lee Conquers Challenges at PIF Saudi Ladies International

News Summary

After giving birth just four months ago, Alison Lee competes at the PIF Saudi Ladies International using rental clubs due to her equipment being stranded in Amsterdam. Despite these hurdles, she finished her first round at 2-under 70. This event marks her return to golf after maternity leave, demonstrating resilience as she balances motherhood and her professional ambitions in a lucrative tournament.

Alison Lee Faces Trials at PIF Saudi Ladies International After Welcoming Baby

The world of professional golf can be challenging enough, but Alison Lee has taken on an even bigger challenge this week at the PIF Saudi Ladies International. Just four months after giving birth to her son, Levi, Alison finds herself in quite the pickle—her beloved golf clubs are stuck in Amsterdam! So, what’s a golfer to do? Well, she’s making the best of the situation with her rental clubs and some borrowed gear, showing the golfing world that a champion’s spirit cannot be dampened!

Rental Clubs and an Unexpected Broomstick

As her own clubs remain stranded, Alison has been hitting the greens with a rental set. Picture this: she’s swinging a driver and some fairway metals that are quite literally not her own! To make up the difference, she’s borrowed irons and wedges from the general manager at the Riyadh Golf Club. This kind of resourcefulness is a testament to her determination.

And that’s not all! Alison decided to spice things up with a new weapon—she purchased a broomstick putter from the pro shop. Now, this isn’t just any old putter; it’s a whopping four inches longer than what she typically uses. Now that’s a bold move when you’re competing at such a prestigious tournament!

A Strong Start Despite the Setbacks

Even with all these quirks in her equipment, Alison made a remarkable entrance into the tournament. She finished her first round with a stunning 2-under 70, ending on a high note by sinking birdies on the last three holes. Talk about finishing strong! However, she still trails leaders Mimi Rhodes and Hye-Jin Choi by six strokes, but with plenty of golf still to play, there’s always room for surprises!

From Motherhood to the Fairways

For Alison, this competition marks her return to the sport after a significant life milestone. She gave birth to her son via emergency C-section on April 25, 2025. Taking just six weeks off after surgery, she began to ease back into the swing of things, quite literally! It started with simple chipping and putting before she was confident enough to take full swings with her driver. Yet, she has candidly shared her emotional struggles on the road to recovery, from feelings of “mom guilt” to wrestling with her dual identities—as a dedicated mother and a fierce competitor.

Recognizing the Countdown

With this being her 12th year on tour, Alison is acutely aware of the ticking clock on her competitive golf career. The passion for her sport is just as strong, but blending motherhood with her professional ambitions is a balancing act that not many can perfect. Now, as she stands on the cusp of her new chapter, every shot taken is a reflection of her journey so far.

A Lucrative Tournament to Kick Off the Season

The Saudi Ladies International holds the distinction of being the season-opening event for the Ladies European Tour (LET), featuring an impressive purse of $5 million. This makes it the highest payout in women’s golf outside of major tournaments and the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship. Four rounds of intense competition await, complete with a 36-hole cut, meaning the pressure is definitely on!

As Alison Lee navigates these hurdles, her story is one of resilience and determination. She’s proving that whether it’s with her own clubs or rental ones, she’s ready to take on the greens and showcase her talent. With her drive and passion, who knows what will happen next? Stay tuned as the tournament unfolds!

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