With the final tick of approval on his visa, Chang Wei-lun of Chinese-Taipei landed himself a golden ticket to the US$5 million PIF Saudi International.
Like a golfer who’s just aced his tee shot, Chang seized this stroke of luck and rode it all the way to the top of the leaderboard.
At the lush fairways of Riyadh Golf Club, Chang, alongside Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, shot a stunning, bogey-free seven-under-par 64, setting a scorching pace at the season’s grand finale.
This event, dazzling with its lineup, marks a pivotal point on both the Asian Tour and The International Series.
Just a stroke behind and hot on their heels are Korea’s Yubin Jang and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, each carding a commendable 65.
Meanwhile, Peter Uihlein of the USA, who is currently spearheading The International Series Rankings, finds himself amidst a cohort of 11 savvy players who posted a 66.
“I only got my visa on Monday, which was the day I arrived,” laughed Chang.
“It is a really big event, probably the biggest I have played in, so I am a little nervous.”
His day was punctuated with a blend of precision and grace: four birdies before the turn and three thereafter, overshadowing a field peppered with 42 players from the LIV Golf League.
Riding high from a recent joint-second finish at the BNI Indonesian Masters, which clinched his playing rights for the upcoming season, Chang couldn’t hide his excitement, He added: “I am especially excited to see DJ [Dustin Johnson] here this week. It would be really cool to play in the same group as him.”
Sadom, who surrendered just one shot the entire day at the 17th, echoed the enthusiasm, He said: “This is the last tournament of the year, and I’ve prepared well.
I’m happy and honoured to be playing in this tournament where there are so many great golfers in the world. I’ve tried to study every good shot from them.”
Niemann, arriving fresh from a fifth-place tie at the Australian Open, showed no signs of lag from his travel.
“I feel like, yeah, my game is in good shape,” said the Chilean, who finished the year second individually on the LIV Golf League.
“I mean, it’s nice to finish the year having a lot of good golf. Playing good tournaments, too. It’s been fun.
I haven’t had a great Sunday yet on my last three tournaments, and so yeah, I think there’s always stuff to improve. I’m off to a great start here in Saudi, so I’m pretty happy with that.”
Local talent shone brightly too, with young Saudi golfer Khalid Attieh making waves.
Earlier this year, at the International Series Oman, he made history as the first Saudi amateur to make the cut in a professional event, and here, he posted a commendable 67. His fellow countryman, Saud Al Sharif, wasn’t far behind with a 68.
US player John Catlin, hot off securing the Asian Tour Order of Merit title last week, also returned a 68, positioning him to potentially snatch a spot in next year’s LIV Golf League with a win here that could rake in a cool 1,000 points.
Defending champion Abraham Ancer from Mexico matched that score, showcasing the depth of talent vying for supremacy.
For more thrilling updates on the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, swing by www.internationalseries.com.
