Imagine teeing off in a tournament with a record-breaking prize fund of over €40 million (£34.5m) – that's exactly what's happening at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, marking the first time the Ladies European Tour (LET) season kicks off in Riyadh. But here's where it gets exciting: England's Mimi Rhodes has stormed into the lead at the halfway stage, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of golf. The 24-year-old rookie sensation carded a three-under-par 69 in the second round, showcasing her skill with birdies on the 10th, 13th, first, and second holes. Her only stumble? A lone bogey on the 16th, leaving her at an impressive 11 under par overall. And this is the part most people miss: Rhodes, the 2025 LET Rookie of the Year, holds a one-stroke lead over South Africa's Casandra Alexander and Japan's Chizzy Iwai, with Spain's Carlota Ciganda and Japan's Rio Takeda hot on their heels, just one shot back in a tie for fourth. South Korea's Choi Hye-jin, who shared the lead with Rhodes after a stunning opening 64, now sits among eight players at eight under. 'I wasn't putting too much pressure on myself this week, but it's obviously a big event,' Rhodes admitted. 'My goal was to make the cut, and I've exceeded that. I’ll approach the weekend the same way – stay in the zone, take it one shot at a time, and aim for birdies with minimal bogeys. We’ll see what happens.' Here’s where it gets controversial: With two of Rhodes' compatriots, Esme Hamilton and world number five Charley Hull, sitting comfortably at seven under, could this be the year England dominates the LET? Or will international contenders like Alexander or Iwai steal the spotlight? As the tournament unfolds, one thing is clear: this record-breaking season opener is just the beginning of an unforgettable 2026 campaign. What do you think – is Rhodes a lock for the win, or will someone else rise to the challenge? Let us know in the comments!
