The PIF Saudi International, powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, is poised to make a grand debut at the Riyadh Golf Club, solidifying its place as the season-ending spectacle for the Asian Tour and The International Series.
This $5 million tournament, set to take place from December 4-7, promises to be a riveting conclusion to the 2024 golf season.
A New Venue with a Rich History
Riyadh Golf Club, which opened its doors in 2005, is the premier golf destination in Saudi Arabia’s capital.
Its par-72 championship course stretches over 7,434 yards of undulating fairways and has been the stage for many of the Kingdom’s prestigious tournaments, including the Saudi Open presented by PIF, the Aramco Team Series Riyadh, and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International.
This move comes after five successful years at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter.
Star-Studded Lineup
The first players confirmed for the December showdown include defending champion Abraham Ancer, 2022 champion Harold Varner III, two-time winner Dustin Johnson, and 2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith. Smith, who narrowly missed victory in 2023, expressed his enthusiasm:
“I am really looking forward to visiting Riyadh for the first time. From what I have read, there is so much going on there with some great sports facilities for grassroots and professionals being put in place.
We have also heard lots of good things about the Championship course at Riyadh Golf Club.
Looking at the design and reputation of the course, I reckon it is going to provide us with a real test as we try to stay both out of the water and out in front of what will be another world-class field at the PIF Saudi International.”
A Global Stage for Golf
The PIF Saudi International is now a cornerstone of the global golf calendar. Its relocation to the season finale of both the Asian Tour and The International Series enhances its prestige.
The tournament’s stature has been on a meteoric rise since its inception, and this year it will culminate on a Saturday, aligning with the Kingdom’s weekend.
With a $1 million first prize up for grabs, the competition promises to be fierce. This tournament is the last of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour, offering a direct pathway for global players to the LIV Golf League.
The champion of the International Series Rankings will earn a spot on the 2025 LIV Golf League roster, with over 30 top-ranked players eligible to compete in the LIV Golf Promotions event.
Significant Opportunities for Emerging Talent
The 2024 PIF Saudi International will be the final chance for players to qualify for the LIV Golf Promotions event, opening the door to the 2025 LIV Golf League.
Moreover, the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion will secure a top-four spot in the OWGR Federation Ranking, a crucial system for PGA Championship and The Open qualifications.
Excitement and Anticipation
Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza shared his excitement about the move: “We are delighted to be taking this prestigious event to Riyadh Golf Club.”
“Securing this key date and being positioned as the finale to the Asian Tour and The International Series adds to the significance of the PIF Saudi International, powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers as we see it grow in stature with each edition.”
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, echoed these sentiments: “This new date gives the PIF Saudi International, powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers the key position and prominence it deserves as the climax to our season.”
“We believe Riyadh Golf Club will provide an excellent stage to showcase the culmination of our year and, with so much on the line, it should make for a dramatic and must-watch ending to our 2024 season.”
Looking Ahead
Since joining the Asian Tour circuit in 2022, the PIF Saudi International has grown exponentially, thanks to a strategic partnership that has brought new energy and visibility to the tournament.
For more details on the PIF Saudi International and other Golf Saudi events, visit Golf Saudi.
