Saudi Arabia is gearing up for hosting the upcoming PIF Saudi International Golf Tournament, powered by Softbank Investment Advisers, from December 4-7, 2024, at Riyadh Golf Club.
In the light of this, the prestigious event has unveiled a star-studded lineup for the $5mn tournament that will mark the season-ending tournament for both the Asian Tour and The International Series.
Promoting Golf in Saudi Arabia
After five successful years at the acclaimed Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, this year’s edition will make its debut in Riyadh, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting golf on the global stage.
The event also stands as a testament to the continuous efforts of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation to attract the world-renowned sports events to the Kingdom, further establishing its position as a global sports hub.
Strategic Decision
In a strategic move, the Asian Tour and The International Series have made the 2024 PIF Saudi International their season-ending tournament, further establishing the tournament’s global status.
This decision emphasizes the tournament’s significant progress and bolsters its position as one of the most prominent golf events.
The PIF Saudi International, powered by Softbank Investment Advisers, is one of the most prestigious events on the international golf calendar. It demonstrates Golf Saudi’s ambitious vision to promote golf in Saudi Arabia and worldwide by removing barriers and making the sport more accessible for everyone.
In recent years, golf has made major strides in Saudi Arabia, owing to the tireless efforts and unwavering support of the Saudi Golf Federation. The progress is also the result of Golf Saudi’s leading role in fostering local talent and attracting international golf players, enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global sports hub.
Prestigious Lineup
At the top of the tournament’s list of participants is the World No. 16 Tyrrell Hatton, who is coming to Riyadh after a series of remarkable successes throughout the year. Most recently, Hatton, alongside his father, won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the DP World Tour.
Moreover, he claimed his maiden individual LIV Golf title in Nashville earlier in the summer. He also secured the second place in the HSBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi, and the sixth place in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last week.
Hatton joins a lineup of international stars who will take part in the 2024 PIF Saudi International, powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. These golf celebrities include defending champion Abraham Ancer, 2022 champion Harold Varner III, winner in 2019 and 2021 Dustin Johnson, and 2022 Open Champion, Cameron Smith.
On this occasion, Hatton expressed his excitement about playing in Saudi Arabia. He said: “I am really excited to visit Riyadh for the first time and to be part of the Asian Tour’s season-ending event.”
Moreover, HAtton highlighted his recent triumphs, expressing his hopes to secure the tournament’s title. “I’ve been playing really well the last couple of months as my results are showing, so I really want to keep the momentum going through to the end of the year. I finished tied 6th when I played in PIF Saudi International in 2021, so I am hoping to be able to improve on that and finish my season on a high,” he said.
Golf Celebrities
In addition to Hatton, the golf tournament list includes elite of champions, such as Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, Patrick Reed and the 2020 champion Graeme McDowell.
These golf stars will compete alongside PGA Tour and DP World Tour winners, Kevin Na and Branden Grace, as well as Talor Gooch, the 2023 LIV Individual champion.
The list goes on to include prominent players, such as Adrian Meronk, a four-time winner on the DP World Tour; and David Puig, currently lying seventh on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Renowned Champions
The list also features Joaquin Niemann, winner of the 2024 LIV Golf event at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City earlier this year; Peter Uihlein, winner of the recent International Series England in August; and Dean Burmester, champion at the 2024 LIV Golf Miami.
In the light of this, 2017 Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia said: “I’ve had some strong finishes in this tournament before, so I’m excited to return, especially since this will be my first time experiencing Riyadh. I’ve heard amazing things about the course and the city, and it’s inspiring to see golf growing in this region.”
He showed optimism about winning the tournament. “It’s been a solid year for me, with a win in Andalucia, finishing third in the individual LIV Golf standings, and a T12 at the US Open, I’m hoping to finish the year on a high note in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
The 2024 PIF Saudi International will see the participation of all of the winning members of the Ripper GC team who won the 2024 LIV Golf Team Championship: Lucas Herbert, a past winner on the PGA and DP World Tour, and Matt Jones, a two-time PGA Tour Champion, Marc Leishman, six-time PGA Tour winner and the 2022 Open Champion, Cameron Smith.
Hefty Prizes
The 2024 PIF Saudi International is the last of 10 elevated events on The International Series calendar, which allow golf players from around the world to directly qualify to the LIV Golf League. Furthermore, the champion of the season-ending International Series Rankings will secure a spot on the 2025 LIV Golf League list.
Additionally, the top 32 eligible players at the top of The International Series Rankings, and all 2024 Asian Tour champions, will qualify for places in the field for this year’s innovative LIV Golf Promotions event, which will take place at Riyadh Golf Club from December 12-14.
Moreover, the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion will be guaranteed a place within the top four of the OWGR Federation Ranking, a system used by both the PGA Championship and The Open.
