Presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers, the PIF Saudi International will take place from December 4-7 this year, marking its elevation as the sought-after season-ending event on the Asian Tour and International Series.
After five years at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, the PIF Saudi International moves to the Riyadh Golf Club for the first time this year. Opened in 2005, the Riyadh Golf Club is one of the top golf courses in the Saudi capital, with its championship layout measuring 7,434 yards and featuring undulating fairways. It has hosted several premier Saudi events, including the PIF-sponsored Saudi Open, the Riyadh leg of the Aramco Team Series, and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International.
The first batch of star players confirmed for this year’s PIF Saudi International includes defending champion Abraham Ancer, 2022 winner Harold Varner III, 2019 and 2021 champion Dustin Johnson, and 2022 Open Championship winner Cameron Smith.
Smith, who finished runner-up to Ancer in last year’s Saudi International, said, “I’m really looking forward to visiting Riyadh for the first time. From what I’ve seen in reports, they have great sports facilities there, whether it’s at a grassroots or professional level. We’ve also heard a lot of praise for the championship course at the Riyadh Golf Club. With its design and reputation, I think it will provide a true test for us as we try not to find the water hazards or other trouble. The PIF Saudi International will be another world-class field.”
The PIF Saudi International, presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers, has already established itself on the global golf stage. As the season finale for both the Asian Tour and the International Series, the event’s stature will only be further enhanced. Since its inception, the PIF Saudi International has grown in significance, with this year’s edition marking the first time that the tournament will conclude on a Saturday, with a $1 million winner’s prize up for grabs, considered one of the most prestigious titles on the Asian Tour.
The Asian Tour’s International Series provides direct entry into the LIV Golf League for golfers from around the world, while the PIF Saudi International is the final event of the 10-tournament International Series schedule this year. Following the conclusion of the PIF Saudi International, the winner of the season-long rankings will automatically secure a spot in the 2025 LIV Golf League.
In 2023, more than 30 leading players from the International Series will compete in the innovative LIV Golf Qualifying Series for spots in the LIV Golf League, with the top three ultimately securing their places in the 2024 LIV Golf League. This year’s PIF Saudi International, again presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers, offers one last chance for players to qualify for the LIV Golf Qualifying Series, presenting an opportunity to enter the 2025 LIV Golf League.
Noah Alireza, CEO of Saudi Golf, commented, “We are delighted to bring this renowned event to the Riyadh Golf Club. Securing this key date as the season-ending event for the Asian Tour and International Series will further enhance the importance of the PIF Saudi International, which has consistently grown in stature with every edition.”
Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant added, “This new tournament date ensures that the PIF Saudi International occupies a fitting position as the pinnacle of our season. We believe that the Riyadh Golf Club will provide a fantastic platform to showcase the crescendo of our year, and it should deliver a dramatic and must-watch finale to our 2024 season.”
Since 2022, the PIF Saudi International, presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers, has become a significant event on the Asian Tour calendar following a new partnership between LIV Golf and the Asian Tour.
(Asian Tour AsianTour)
