At the midway point of the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, Peter Uihlein appears to have a firm grip on the International Series Rankings title race, but his rivals remain hot on his heels.
With only two rounds left this season, the RangeGoats GC star shares the lead at 11 under par after a thrilling second round at Riyadh Golf Club.
Uihlein’s six-under round featured an impressive eight birdies and two bogeys, keeping him in pole position not only for the tournament but also for a spot in the prestigious LIV Golf League next year.
John Catlin Stays in Contention
John Catlin, Uihlein’s nearest challenger in the rankings, made a determined recovery after a shaky start threatened to derail his weekend.
Beginning the day at three under par, Catlin stumbled with bogeys on holes two and six, briefly slipping below the projected cut line.
However, the International Series Macau champion clawed his way back with a birdie on nine and a strong back nine featuring four birdies and a single bogey.
Reflecting on his performance, Catlin said: “Just a couple missed short putts. That can happen. I was able to right the ship and got the fundamentals a little bit more back in place.
The one (bogey) on 14 just hit something. I mean, that can happen as well but I feel like I played very solid on the back nine and I’ll take that going into the weekend. It helps the mind so much when you actually start seeing putts go in. So yeah, it was nice to make some putts and just keep it going.”
Despite the competition heating up, Catlin dismissed the notion of being caught in a match-play scenario with Uihlein or third-placed Ben Campbell: “No, it’s early on in the week.
You’re just trying to play solid and make sure you’re in a decent spot going into the weekend. We’ve still got 36 more holes. So anything can happen.”
Ben Campbell Eyes a Comeback
Sitting at six under after two rounds, Ben Campbell knows he’ll need something special to challenge Uihlein and shake up the rankings.
The International Series Morocco champion dropped a bogey on the 18th, leaving him five shots off the lead.
Campbell shared his thoughts on his round and strategy for the weekend: “Played OK today, had my chances but unfortunately had that soft bogey there on the last.
Felt my game was close, yesterday too, and I probably haven’t quite put a score on the board. But I’m into the weekend and hopefully I can look forward to a couple of low ones.”
Looking ahead, Campbell remains optimistic about his chances: “You have to play your own game. I definitely need a couple of low ones to catch Peter. I know I have to finish higher, so hopefully the game is there this weekend to do that.”
M.J. Maguire Matches Course Record
M.J. Maguire delivered a sensational eight-under-par 63, tying the course record set earlier in the day by Tyrrell Hatton and Logan McAllister.
This impressive turnaround, after opening with a 72, puts Maguire inside the top 20 heading into the third round.
The recent winner of the Black Mountain Championship in Thailand is relishing the dual opportunities ahead of him, with chances to secure a spot in the LIV Golf League through either the International Series Rankings or next week’s LIV Golf Promotions event, also at Riyadh Golf Club.
Speaking about his mindset, Maguire said: “Obviously Pete (Peter Uihlein) is playing well again this week.
He’s going to be tough to catch. Have a good weekend, you never know. Just got to kind of play one shot at a time, play my own game, and see what happens.
“It’s nice that we’re playing this course again next week. This is kind of like a little practice for next week (LIV Golf Promotions). Kind of took a little bit of pressure off today.
It was like, okay, you don’t play well today, you’ve still got a chance tomorrow or next week.
“It really does help that we have the Promotions event if you don’t win The International Series Rankings.”
The Stage is Set
With the PIF Saudi International heading into its crucial third round, the stakes couldn’t be higher for players vying for a coveted spot in the LIV Golf League.
Uihlein’s lead remains precarious, with Catlin, Campbell, and others ready to pounce at Riyadh Golf Club.
The tournament runs from December 4-7, and more information can be found at www.internationalseries.com.
