In the heart of Riyadh’s golden sands, where mirages meet reality and fairways are greener than envy, Peter Uihlein is making golf look like a stroll through paradise.
The American continued his blistering form at the PIF Saudi International presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers, carding a five-under 66 that featured six birdies—including four on the back nine—and just a single bogey.
Uihlein’s performance keeps him firmly atop the International Series Rankings, but like a desert wind stirring up a sandstorm, challengers are closing in.
Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana and Chinese Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun surprised the field by each shooting a dazzling seven-under 64, stealing the early lead in a tournament featuring 42 LIV Golf League players—all of them hungry for a spot in the LIV Golf League next season.
“Basically, it seems like, if you play this week, you have got a chance to win The International Series.
Everyone’s got a chance but you have to play well. You have to keep the pedal down,” Uihlein said.
“You have got to be aggressive and keep making birdies. You can’t go out and just shoot two or three under par for three or four days and win.
You have to go out and make some birdies and be aggressive. So that is what I will keep trying to do.”
Already assured a spot in next season’s LIV Golf League, Uihlein isn’t exactly kicking back. Last week’s five-shot victory at the International Series Qatar seems to have only whetted his appetite.
“Such a quick turnaround, you kind of feel like you are still going. I just feel like I was trying to do the same stuff and hole some putts, and I was able to do that,” he added. “It is fun golf, and it is pretty.
You are in the desert, but you have got this beautiful green, lush grass and palm trees everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Sadom Kaewkanjana isn’t just along for the ride. His stellar start positions him nicely to move up into the top eight and secure a place in the second round of the LIV Golf Promotions event next week.
“There are still three days left to play. I want to finish in a good position this week because it is a big tournament with a lot of points.
I want to be in the top of The International Series Rankings. But I will not put pressure on myself. I will try to have fun, enjoy my game and learn to play with world-class golfers as much as I can,” Sadom said.
“This is the last tournament of the year and I’ve prepared well for this tournament. I am happy and honoured to be playing where there are so many great golfers in the world.
I have tried to study every good shot from them. This is my fourth week in a row. Everything is good, driver, irons and putting are all still in good shape.”
Chang Wei-lun, currently 18th on the rankings, admits that a push for the rankings title had been the last thing on his mind until a runner-up finish at the BNI Indonesian Masters last month.
“I think for me, actually, every tournament is a lot of pressure for me. I have to keep my card for next year. So every event is just trying to make the cut and do my best. That’s it. It is simple,” Chang confessed.
As the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers unfolds from December 4-7 at Riyadh Golf Club, the desert is alive with possibilities.
With 1,000 points dangling like a carrot for the winner, it’s anyone’s game. And in golf, as in life, fortune favours the bold—or at least those who can navigate a tricky dogleg with a well-struck fade.
For more information on this high-stakes desert duel, visit www.internationalseries.com.
