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Prize Money for 2022 Saudi International: The Event That Is Luring PGA Tour Players
A revamped Saudi International will be played in 2022, this time as part of the Asian Tour. A boost in the prize money and change in policies has led to the creation of a star-studded field, courtesy of the PGA Tour players, who are flocking to the popularized event.
The Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in the King Abdullah Economic City will host the event from February 3 to 6, next year. Powered by SoftBank Investment Advisors, it is a part of the revamping venture led by Greg Norman. Funded by the Saudi government, it is their attempt to revive the Asian tour.
History of the tournament and entry of PGA Tour golfers
The event was introduced in 2019 as part of the European Tour event, the first on tour to be played in Saudi Arabia. However, the event drew a lot of criticism due to the inclusion of the government in it. Moreover, as incentives, they paid the top players of the world large sums of money to play in order to give a boost to the event.
Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 26, 2021 Team USA’s Dustin Johnson and Team USA’s Xander Schauffele spray sparkling wine as they celebrate after winning The Ryder Cup REUTERS/Brian Snyder
After the 2021 edition, it was announced that it would become a part of the Asian Tour. In a 10-year deal, it is now the flagship event of the Asian Tour. In these three years itself, it has attracted the top-ranked players from the world. Dustin Johnson, current world number 3, is a two-time winner and a runner-up in his third attempt.
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Prize money of the Saudi International
With its inclusion in the Asian Tour, the event saw a major boost in its prize money. Initially, it gave out a purse of $3.5 million but from 2022, it will boast of an increased purse of $5 million, which is one of the highest on the Asian Tour. In addition, it will give out one of the highest Official World Golf Ranking points in international golf.
The glittering field will see Bryson DeChambeau, two-time winner Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Xander Schauffele. Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, and Paul Casey will also be teeing it up.
Nov 11, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phil Mickelson (left) works with brother and caddy Tim Mickelson (right) just off the green of the 18th hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship golf tournament at Phoenix Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
“The 2022 edition of The International is the strongest yet. But, we are still only in the formative years of our vision for golf in the Kingdom,” said Majed Al-Sorour, CEO and Deputy Chairman of Golf Saudi.
This will serve as a major boost for the development and spike in the popularity of golf amongst Asian countries. Moreover, it will hopefully serve as a catalyst for development in the tour.
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