If you thought a man couldn’t compete on the Ladies European Tour, think again. Steve Rockowitz makes his thrilling debut at the Aramco Team Series golf event in Hong Kong
Back in October, I had the fortunate opportunity to play golf in the Hong Kong edition of the prestigious Aramco Team Series. This Ladies European Tour (LET) event marked the first time it was held in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling served as the perfect venue. Little did I know that this experience would become a golfing adventure of a lifetime.
It all began when I was in Rome, Italy, for the historic 44th Ryder Cup. As the Europeans secured victory, I received an unexpected phone call from an Aramco Team Series representative.They asked if I would be interested in playing in the tournament. I was initially very stunned, considering it was a women’s professional event. However, I eagerly accepted this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, regardless of any mistake they might have made! Little did I know that the Aramco Team Series boasted a unique format, seamlessly blending team dynamics with individual competition.
I later learned that there are two tournaments within one at the Aramco Team Series event. The first two
days of the three-day tournament comprise a 36-hole team event, with each team consisting of three female professional golfers plus one amateur (who can be female or male, hence why I got the call!). Concurrently, the women compete in a 54-hole individual LET event and play the third day to decide the outcome.
Delving deeper into the tournament, I learned that it consists of a structure unlike any other in the world of golf, as team captains strategically recruit a fellow tour professional through a draft system. Adding an element of surprise, another tour professional is selected randomly. However, what truly sets the Aramco Team Series apart is the unique dynamic where amateurs significantly contribute to the final results of the main competition. The prize money for the winning team is then divided among its three professional members, emphasising the shared victory and camaraderie among the players.
As I prepared for the tournament, the weight of its significance grew clearer. Aramco’s commitment
to women’s golf is unparalleled as they are one of the foremost investors in the sport. With this, their headline sponsorship solidifies their position as a major advocate for women’s sports overall. The tournament is not only a showcase of exceptional golfing talent, but also a testament to women’s achievement in the world of sports.
The Aramco Team Series team pairings party, held at Hutong in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, was a gathering of the who’s who of the LET. World-class golfers like Lilia Vu, Jin Young Ko and Xiyu Lin, among many others, graced the occasion. The nerves started to kick in as I contemplated the challenge ahead.
Also see: The Ryder Cup unites golfing greats from both sides of the Atlantic
When the first day of the tournament arrived, I saw the enthusiastic spectators lining up to watch their favourite professional golfers in action. The format of the team event involved playing the two best balls of the group on each hole, while amateurs like me received strokes based on a percentage of one’s handicap. So, I received six strokes on the six hardest holes of the course. I thought, if I can get a par on these six holes, I can potentially contribute six strokes each round to our score! I understood that my performance could significantly impact the overall score. The pressure was palpable, and the mental game became crucial.
Before diving into the actual golfing experience, let me introduce my team. Team Noja consisted of Chiara Noja, Emma Spitz, Tereza Melecká and myself. Though they may not be the most well-known players on the LET, they displayed remarkable talent and professionalism. Being teamed up with them and their fantastic caddies was a privilege, and I knew I was in the company of exceptional individuals.
Now that I’ve built up the suspense, let me tell you how the experience went. Having come from a professional tennis background, I’ve played in front of large crowds, but this was some time in the past! Tennis is reactionary and you’re constantly moving, so the mind game is there but it’s coupled with the physical game. Golf is perhaps less physical, and a greater emphasis is placed on the mental game. Stepping on to the first tee at the Aramco Team Series in Hong Kong was an anxious but exciting experience. The silence and pressure amplified my nerves, but I knew that they would settle down after that initial shot.
As the tournament progressed, it really became a mental game, requiring the ability to control thoughts and emotions. Despite the challenges, I embraced the pressure and focused on staying present – trusting my skills. The support from teammates and the camaraderie among participants created an encouraging environment. While we didn’t finish near the top of the leaderboard, the tournament taught me resilience, mental strength and the importance of mindset, leaving me with lasting memories and valuable lessons.
China’s Xiyu Lin emerged as the champion of the Aramco Team Series.Despite the challenging weather conditions, Lin prevailed against world No. 3 Jin Young Ko in a thrilling playoff at the Hong Kong Golf Club. Lin’s victory marked her first title at the prestigious event, and her remarkable 40-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole will forever be etched in the tournament’s history.
My experience at the Aramco Team Series in Hong Kong was truly a golfer’s dream come true. Playing alongside talented professionals and witnessing Xiyu Lin’s historic victory made this event a life experience that I will never forget.
