Arab News

Strong field tees it up for 2024 Saudi Open presented by PIF

Peter Uihlein, who plays for LIV Golf team RangeGoats GC, is making his first visit to Riyadh and expressed his excitement at playing in the Saudi capital

- Arab News

A strong field gathered for the 2024 Saudi Open presented by

PIF, commencing Wednesday with Asian Tour, LIV Golf and DP World Tour stars teeing it up at Riyadh Golf Club

Thai star Denwit Boriboonsu­b won the 2023 Saudi Open in December in stunning fashion, but Henrik Stenson, Peter Uihlien and Haotong Li are the standout names hoping to dethrone him, as 144 players from 33 different countries fight for glory from April 17-20. There are 20 Arab golfers from eight nations in the fold, including seven from Saudi Arabia, who have all been handed the opportunit­y to compete alongside some of the world’s best players as golf continues to develop in the region. Golf&More will be on display at the course throughout the week with live DJ sessions at sunset, special activities for children and the authentic Sajah Bazaar giving fans the opportunit­y to immerse themselves in local culture.

Peter Uihlein, who plays for LIV Golf team RangeGoats GC, is making his first visit to Riyadh and expressed his excitement at playing in the Saudi capital. The American believes it will be an action-packed four rounds, filled with low scores and plenty of birdies.

Uihlein said: “I watched the 2023 Saudi Open on TV in December and the Aramco Series Ladies Internatio­nal recently and I saw a lot of low scores, so I am hoping for a tournament full of birdies. It does depend how much the wind blows, but hopefully it dies down later in the week.

“It’s my first time in Riyadh, having been to Jeddah a few times, and I’m excited about it. I spoke to Othman [Almulla] about how many courses are planned and the ones they are already building around the Kingdom. It is really cool to be here.

“I feel like the stuff I am working on is getting better and better, and I feel a little bit sharper as the weeks go on. It is why I’m here — to carry on working on my game ahead of LIV Adelaide and LIV Singapore.”

Chinese sensation Haotong Li is a four-time DP World Tour winner and has chosen to play in the 2024 Saudi Open presented by PIF to experience the continued growth of the game in the Kingdom. Li said: “I want to see different golf courses to the ones I have played previously and to visit new parts of the world. It’s extremely exciting to play this week and do something special. I am truly honored to be here and be a part of growing the game as big as possible. Hopefully, everybody starts to fall in love with golf.”

Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza spoke to gathered media ahead of the tournament and stressed the importance of the 2024 Saudi Open presented by PIF’s commitment to handing opportunit­ies to national and regional players. Alireza said: “We are delighted to welcome a strong field to the 2024 Saudi Open presented by PIF following its first staging on the Asian Tour last year and I am certain that this week will prove a success with exciting golf on show at Riyadh Golf Club.

“The opportunit­y that the Saudi Open presents to all of the competitor­s, but particular­ly to the seven Saudi nationals and the 13 other Arab golfers in the field, is one of the main driving forces behind our desire to host this tournament in Riyadh. Playing alongside the best Asian Tour players, plus a number of LIV Golf and DP World Tour members, helps them understand what it takes to reach this level and is a vital part of their golf education. It is a key part of Golf Saudi’s commitment to golf in our country.”

 ?? File/AFP ?? Defending champion Thai star Denwit Boriboonsu­b heads a star-studded field assembled for the Saudi Open.
File/AFP Defending champion Thai star Denwit Boriboonsu­b heads a star-studded field assembled for the Saudi Open.

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