The PGA Tour has freed some players from their obligations so they can play next month in Saudi International Jeddah, the inaugural event of the Asian Tour and funded like LIV by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund Arabia.
Without knowing more about the identities of the players requesting authorization, several members of the American circle got the prospect of taking part in the Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.
Last year, the “release” of actors caused a lot of ink to flow when rumors of their first breakup on LIV began to circulate. With the open battle between the two halves today, the PGA Tour’s position has something to question.
Should this be seen as an attempt at appeasement, or should it be seen as a straight outstretched hand towards “Saudi Golf” as Greg Norman’s LIV struggles to recruit new players and find a deal with TV channels? The future will show.
nice laundry
Originally part of the European Tour calendar, this tournament has moved to the Asian Tour flag since the arrival of LIV Golf and offers substantial starting bonuses to attract the best players on the planet.
As announced a few days ago, The Open’s winner, Cameron Smith, will be one of the lead roles, but other big names are expected on the shores of the Red Sea for the 5th edition.
The February 2-5 tournament dates coincide with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am on the PGA Tour.
It was Golf Channel reporter Rex Hoggard who uncovered the information regarding the authorization given to the players, but was unable to specify the exact number or names of the players.
Chip-ins, monster hits and more ⛳
Watch the top 5 frames from earlier this year 🎯#seiall
ضربات إسقاط وإنهاء مثيرة.⛳
تعرفوا على أجمل خمس ضربات من منافسات النسخة الماضية.🎯@asiantourgolf@henrikstenson @wadeormsby@plarrazabal @AdriArnaus @HV3_Golf pic.twitter.com/t0Ksn83MwB
— Saudi International | السعودية الدولية (@SaudiIntlGolf) 23 December 2022
The event, won by Dustin Johnson (2019, 2021), Graeme McDowell (2020), put a smile on Harold Varner III’s face after a “terrible” 18-year-old shot last year.
The three former winners are now playing on the opposing circuit.
2022 featured Victor Perez, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Xander Schauffele, Tony Finau (photo), Tyrrell Hatton and Tom Kim.
Photo © Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / via AFP Getty Images
