Written by: Khushi Gupta

 

The Saudi International, which is going to be the fourth edition of the tournament, is going to start the very next day that is, the 3rd of February 2022, and will be ending on the 6th of the same month. Earlier this tournament was a part of the European Tour but after a short feud, it was then turned into a part of the Asian Tour which now sanctions it as part of the new 10-year agreement. The purse of the tournament to be held will now go up to US $5 million from US $3 million owing to the investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). 

 

Phachara Khongwatmai

 

It is going to be a huge tournament with the top players competing to stand the first on the leaderboard throughout the four rounds of the sport that will be held at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) near Jeddah. The course that was designed by a renowned course architect Dave Sampson is not going to be easy for the players. It is a par 72 course that spreads itself across 7,210 yards while overlooking the beautiful Red Sea. Saudi International is now going to come with tons loads of opportunities for the golfers and just as much excitement for the watchers to once again admire their favorite players on the course.

 

Fifteen Thailand players were present on the course to show off their golf skills and take the top positions for themselves. Out of all the players, Jaidee Thongchai who was not at the top in the previous rounds, came rolling up the scoreboard and stood at the topmost position from among the Thai players. Being at a tie for the 28^th place with birdies on holes 2, 4, 7, and 18 he was closely followed by Phachara who hit birdies on holes 6, 10, and 14 placing right below Thongchai. Following him was Jazz Janewattananond on a tie for the 38^th place with birdies on holes 2, 4, 7, 16, and 18. With the top most player being Varner Harold III of USA, the competition was a tough one, yet the players gave in their best and went off feeling satisfied.

With the best players of the world playing the course, it was really not an easy competition that the golfers went through in the first round. With the previous winner of the last year, Dustin Johnson giving in his best, things became more exciting for the watchers as the tables turned while placing Harold on the first position.

 

With the best players of the world playing the course, it was really not an easy competition that the golfers went through in the first round. With the previous winner of the last year, Dustin Johnson giving in his best, things became more exciting for the watchers.

 

The purse of the tournament being set for $5 Million, the winner’s cut will reach up to 18% according to the Asian Tour’s Prize money distribution chart. The total will reach up to $900,000 for the winner. Not only will the winner be getting the huge amount of money but will also br getting this tournament added to his Order of Merit tally that will prove to be extremely crucial for access to future tournaments and bonuses. The winner will also be receiving 50 Official World Golf Ranking Points based on the field of strength including a two-plus season exemption on the Asian Tour.

 

Rattanon Wannasrichan

 

Things seem to have looked up for Thailand in the very first round of the Saudi International promising a solid end to the tournament in favour of the Thailand players. Though not all could make it to the top, but the next round can turn the tables and give out a whole new result on the last day. Yet with a positive note did the first round end and hopefully will continue to do so in the near future.