JEDDAH — When taking part in a golf tournament, such as the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF with $1million prize money up for grabs, most players will do everything possible to avoid ending-up in the water.

But for big-hitting Dutch star and keen diver Anne van Dam, the glistening turquoise waters off the coast of Royal Greens Golf & Country Club proved just too tempting.

While out in the Saudi Arabian coastal city for this weekend’s debut Saudi Ladies International, the 25-year-old took time away from the tournament’s pristine green fairways to check-out one of King Abdullah Economic City’s other leading tourist attractions: its spectacular, untouched coral reef.

“I’ve heard Saudi Arabia has some of the best diving so I wanted to head out and see what the fuss was all about,” said five times Ladies European Tour winner van Dam — the longest driver on tour.

She was guided on her diving trip by Saudi Ladies International ‘Ladies First’ ambassador Mariam Fardous, the first ever Saudi woman to deep dive in the North Pole.

“Saudi Arabia is full of beautiful places. So many of them are undiscovered yet with beautiful coral reefs,” said Mariam. “I was excited to take Anne and show her one of the most important spots to dive in King Abdullah Economic City”.

In addition to her diving exploits, the multi-talented Fardous is a qualified physician and devoted humanitarian who was honored by several African pilgrimage missions for her services.

“It was great to be out with Mariam,” added Anne. “She’s such an inspirational person for her achievements diving in the North Pole.

“For her to take me out there was really special. Golf has bought me to many incredible places and so it’s nice to be here to experience this.” — SG