GOLF – The highly anticipated Saudi Open Golf Tournament, presented by the Public Investment Fund, is set to showcase a stellar lineup of international golf stars.
Set to take place from next Wednesday to April 20, this prestigious event will captivate golf enthusiasts with its world-class participants, including renowned golfer Henrik Stenson and five of his esteemed colleagues. Adding to the excitement, several notable players from the DP Tour, including four-time winner Rafa Cabrera-Bello, will be present, making this tournament a true spectacle featuring both top-tier competitors and Asian Tour stars.
As the ninth edition of the tournament approaches, it takes on a new dimension by becoming a fully Asian event. The previous edition, held in December 2023, witnessed Thai star Denwit Boriboonsub claim the championship title, finishing three shots ahead of the 2016 Open Championship winner Henrik Stenson. Denwit will be seeking to defend his title in this year’s tournament, which returns to the vibrant city of Riyadh.
Anticipated to build upon its past successes, the upcoming tournament promises thrilling golf action for fans eager to witness live sporting excellence. Notably, the inclusion of Andy Ogletree, Peter Ohlin, and Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra, alongside David Puig and his former European Ryder Cup teammate Cabrera-Bello, adds further excitement to the Riyadh tour.
Among the star-studded participants, Puig, who secured victory at the season-opening Malaysian Open, currently leads the Asian tour’s order of merit. He is closely followed by John Catlin from the United States, the recent winner of the international series in Macau presented by Wen. The presence of DP World Tour star Thorbjorn Olesen further enhances the tournament’s prestige.
In line with its commitment to promoting inclusivity, Golf Saudi Arabia has invited local Saudi and Arab golfers to compete alongside international professionals, ensuring a diverse and competitive field. This blend of talent is expected to produce intense competition, especially with the return of 2016 championship winner Stenson, who finished second in last year’s final round with an impressive score of 65. Stenson is determined to claim victory this time and lift the coveted trophy.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Stenson remarked: “I am delighted to return to Riyadh and compete in the Saudi Open. The atmosphere during my previous visit was exceptional, and I am thrilled to experience it once again. The facilities are impressive, reflecting the ongoing progress in the development of golf in Saudi Arabia. I anticipate another highly competitive tournament against a strong field and outstanding players. I am eager to improve upon last year’s performance and emerge as the champion.”
Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant said: “We are pleased to return to Riyadh for the 2024 Saudi Open, presented by the Public Investment Fund. This event has proven to be an excellent addition to the Asian Tour after its promotion from the Asian Development Tour. Riyadh Golf Club has provided us with an ideal venue for the conclusion of the 2023 season. We have a reliable partner in Saudi Golf, and we are confident that they will deliver another exceptional tournament.”
As the countdown to the Saudi Open begins, golf enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the clash of titans and the extraordinary golfing spectacle that lies ahead.
&uuid=(email))