Magical Maha Haddioui on song at Saudi Ladies International

Maha Haddioui recovered from a disastrous first round at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund to make the cut after an impressive four under par 68 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

The Moroccan, who is the first and only Arab to play on the Ladies European Tour, struggled yesterday at King Abdullah Economic City, with four bogeys and a double to sit on four over par, and in danger of missing the cut for the second successive year.

But after having a word with herself back at the hotel, the 33-year-old came back for today’s second round with a fresh outlook on the game to move to level par, thanks to four birdies and a stunning eagle on the ninth, while only dropping two shots.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Haddioui. “It’s the end of year, so the pressure is on to keep hold of the card. I went out there yesterday trying to do everything by the book and be a good student, but I got off the course and just felt miserable. I debriefed with my coach and I had no real bad shot to talk about, it just wasn’t happening for me.

“I sat in my room last night and told myself, ‘you’re travelling and playing golf, which is my passion, as a job and you’re stressed about it.’

“I wrote ‘have fun’ on my yardage book this morning – that was the goal for me out there today. See the shot, play it, and whatever happens, happens.”

Making the cut is always the first port of call for any player, but progressing to the weekend was even more significant for Haddioui at this groundbreaking tournament, as she looks to build on her work of inspiring more than 1200 Saudi women and girls to get into the game.

“I’m the only one bearing the Arab flag this week, so I’m glad I made it to the weekend – I would have been really sad if I hadn’t,” she said. “I’m really happy to make the cut, and for there to be an Arab golfer in the field for the final two days. It’s a big week with a lot of ranking points, so it’s very important.”