Report: PGA Tour Grants Releases For Saudi International
According to a Tour official, a select number of release requests for the Saudi event have been accepted
The PGA Tour has granted a "few" of its members conflicting-event releases to play in February’s Saudi International, according to a report by the Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard.
The event, which used to feature on the DP World Tour schedule, is now part of the Asian Tour and is sponsored by Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund that bankrolls the LIV Golf League.
But despite the ongoing quarrel between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, Sawgrass HQ has decided to give a “few” of its members conflicting-event releases to tee it up at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, which has hosted the tournament since its inception in 2019.
The Tour official didn't reveal exactly how many release requests were accepted nor who received them but the event has attracted some of the game’s biggest stars in previous years, so 2023 will be no different. Reigning Open champion and World No. 3 Cameron Smith has already confirmed his attendance as the headline act, with tournament organisers insisting "more big-name players" will be in the field when it is finalised.
"The Saudi International regularly has one of the biggest line-ups of the season," Smith said. "It’s always good to play in a world-class field, I am looking forward to taking on some familiar faces and also competing with the best that the Asian Tour has to offer.
"I had a great experience at the Royal Greens last year and hopefully I can take it to the next level this year."
It's likely a number of players on the Saudi-backed circuit will use the event as a tune-up for the LIV Golf League that gets underway on February 24 at El Camaleon Golf Club in Mexico.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
The Saudi International will be held from February 2-5 in King Abdullah Economic City and coincides with the PGA Tour's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
A lifelong golf fan, Andy graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sports Journalism and got his first role in the industry as the Instruction Editor for National Club Golfer. From there, he decided to go freelance and now covers a variety of topics for Golf Monthly.
Andy took up the game at the age of seven and even harboured ambitions of a career in the professional ranks for a spell. That didn’t pan out, but he still enjoys his weekend golf at Royal Troon and holds a scratch handicap. As a side note, he's made five holes-in-one and could quite possibly be Retief Goosen’s biggest fan.
As well as the above, some of Andy's work has featured on websites such as goal.com, dailyrecord.co.uk, and theopen.com.
What's in Andy's bag?
Driver: Callaway Mavrik Sub-Zero (9°)
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15°)
Driving iron: Titleist U500 (17°)
Irons: Mizuno mp32 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (50°, 54° and 58°)
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
-
JM Eagle LA Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
There’s a record purse for a regular-season LPGA Tour event at Wilshire Country Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Think I Can Be Helpful’ – Rory McIlroy Opens Up On Potential Return To PGA Tour Policy Board
The four-time Major winner resigned from the board six months ago, but with the game still fractured, he could be about to return
By Mike Hall Published
-
Cameron Smith 'Putting Hand Up' For Fewer US-Based LIV Events And ‘More Of An International Schedule’ Moving Forward
The Ripper GC captain and his Australian teammates think the Saudi-funded series should target more international markets
By Andrew Wright Published
-
Fortinet Australian PGA Championship Prize Money Payout 2023
Cameron Smith defends his title as the new DP World Tour season begins
By Mike Hall Published
-
Scottie Scheffler Says Lack Of Clarity Over PGA Tour/PIF Deal 'A Bit Worrisome'
World No.1 Scheffler has spoken out over his frustrations and concerns about the proposed link up between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
By James Nursey Published
-
Cameron Smith Hoping To 'Tidy Up' Driving Ahead Of Open Championship Defence
The Aussie wants to work on his driving before the 151st Open despite winning LIV Golf London
By James Nursey Published
-
Genesis Scottish Open Prize Money, Payout And Field 2023
Xander Schauffele defends his title with the tournament giving players a chance for some final preparation before The Open
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Cameron Smith Secures Second LIV Golf Title At Centurion
The Australian carded a three-under final round to claim a one shot win, just a fortnight out from The Open Championship
By Matt Cradock Published
-
How Many LIV Golfers Have Qualified For The 151st Open At Royal Liverpool?
There are 16 players from the LIV Golf League that will play in the Open Championship at Hoylake including defending champion Cameron Smith
By Paul Higham Published
-
Cameron Smith Says Open Win 'A Little Bit Overshadowed' By LIV Talk
Cameron Smith says it was frustrating being quizzed about LIV Golf immediately after winning the Open, saying it overshadowed his achievement at St Andrews
By Paul Higham Published