Major Golf Stars Struggle at PIF Saudi International
News Summary
The PIF Saudi International has seen major golf stars fail to perform as expected, with top players like Dustin Johnson and Joaquin Niemann missing the cut. Emerging talents, such as Caleb Surrat, captured the spotlight, while others, including Anthony Kim, showed potential for a comeback. The event has heightened competition for the coveted spots in the LIV Golf League, spotlighting new faces in the sport. Despite the ups and downs, the prestigious tournament remains a key fixture in the golf calendar with lucrative prizes attracting global talent.
Major Golf Stars Stumble at PIF Saudi International
This weekend’s PIF Saudi International has turned into quite the spectacle, and not in the way most golf fans had hoped. With over a third of the 120-man field made up of LIV Golf players, the event promised excitement. But as the dust settles, it’s apparent that many big names in golf fell short, notably missing the cut at this highly anticipated event.
Caleb Surrat Takes the Lead
In a surprising twist, Caleb Surrat emerged as a frontrunner after the first 36 holes, showcasing remarkable talent. With competition heating up from players like Thomas Pieters, Tyrrell Hatton, and Adrian Meronk, the pressure was palpable as they battled for supremacy on the course.
A Comeback Story? Meet Anthony Kim
Meanwhile, former star Anthony Kim proved he still has the fire—playing some of his best golf in years following a prolonged absence from the sport. His goal is to regain a spot on the LIV Golf roster after being relegated, and he’s showing potential that fans had longed to see.
Defending Champion Falls Short
In a surprising turn of events, last year’s champion Joaquin Niemann found himself facing disappointment as he also missed the cut, finishing just one shot under par. After an initial struggle, he managed a second-round 69, but it wasn’t quite enough. The competition’s intensity proved too much.
Major Champions Missing the Mark
It wasn’t just Niemann who faced disappointment. Two-time Major champion Dustin Johnson also struggled, landing a total score of 144 with rounds of 70 and 74, which simply wasn’t enough to move forward. Even Garry Garcia (a former Masters champion) couldn’t catch a break, ultimately finishing one shot over after rounds of 72 and 69.
Cameron Smith’s Misfortunes
It was also a tough week for Cameron Smith, who shot two level-par rounds of 71. His hopes were dashed after a triple-bogey on the 18th in round one; such an unfortunate moment meant he, too, missed the cut.
Other Big Names Struggle
Several notable players met the same fate. Talor Gooch, a four-time LIV tournament winner, shot 72-70, finishing at level par—two shots shy of continuing. Matthew Wolff, in his first competitive event since the LIV Golf season, stumbled with a first-round 77, ensuring he would not be moving forward. Other players like Matt Jones, Ben Campbell, Chieh-po Lee, and Yubin Jang joined the list of those who met the cut line with despair.
Determination on the Final Day
Even with hopes dashed, some players remained determined. Wade Ormsby bounced back with a second-round 67 after an opening score of 75 to finish with a level-par total but still missed the cut. Yosuke Asaji found himself in a tight spot, possibly jeopardizing his standing in the International Series Rankings.
A New Champion Emerges
In the end, all eyes were on the final round, which proved decisive for players aiming for valuable spots in the International Series. The stakes ramped up, especially with two coveted spots available for the 2026 LIV Golf League on the line. Emerging victorious was Josele Ballester, who set a stunning pace finishing at 22 under after a breathtaking final-round score of 65. Dean Burmester followed closely behind, tied with Surrat at 17 under as the competition reached its climax.
Final Thoughts
The PIF Saudi International remains a staple of the Asian Tour, boasting impressive prizes totaling $5 million and attracting top talent from around the world. Though many golf stars missed the cut this time, the turnover in leading players signifies that the competition truly is heating up. Who’s ready for the next round?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Major Players Miss Cut at PIF Saudi International
Anthony Kim Shines in PIF Saudi International Tournament
Anthony Kim Shines at PIF Saudi International
Anthony Kim Shines at the PIF Saudi International
DP World Tour Sees Remarkable Growth in Fan Engagement
Final Round Approaches at the PIF Saudi International
Jeremy Ellwood’s Legendary Par 3 Holes: A Golfer’s Retrospective
Donald Trump’s Cashing In on LIV Golf: The Financial Impact
Yosuke Asaji’s Stellar Performance in International Series
Anthony Kim’s Remarkable Return at the Saudi International