Max Lee Wins LIV Golf Promotions Event at Riyadh Golf Club
Riyadh Golf Club: The Stage for Future Stars
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – This week at the bustling Riyadh Golf Club, excitement was in the air as the LIV Golf Promotions event unfolded. And guess who took home the crown? Max Lee! His impressive performance earned him a well-deserved spot in next season’s LIV Golf League. But it’s not just Lee who walked away with good news; there was plenty of consolation for the top 10 finishers who earned valuable exemptions for upcoming events on The International Series calendar.
Exemptions for the Top 10
Among those who secured their place in the spotlight were Ollie Schniederjans from the U.S. and Germany’s Max Rottluff. Both of them, along with fellow competitors David Horsey of England, Soomin Lee from South Korea, and the Australian duo of Brett Coletta and Jack Buchanan, will now have the opportunity to compete in all 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar next season. This lineup not only offers them a chance to showcase their skills but also provides a direct pathway onto LIV Golf via the rankings.
Rottluff’s Journey
Rottluff, who was once a roommate of Jon Rahm (captain of Legion XIII) at Arizona State, tapped into some insider insights from two-time major champion Martin Kaymer regarding navigating LIV Golf and The International Series before the tournament kicked off. Rottluff’s talent was undeniable as he shot a remarkable 6-under 65 that secured him a 2nd place finish in the first round and ultimately a solid seventh overall with a total of four-under. “I’m going to take a very close look at the calendar,” the talented 31-year-old said enthusiastically. “I’m not afraid to travel the globe and play. International Series sounds awesome!”
Horsey’s Moment of Relief
Meanwhile, David Horsey had his heart racing as he faced a nervous wait to see if his performance would grant him a ticket to the next level. After starting with two bogeys in his first three holes, Horsey managed to steady his game with a 1-under performance, sealing a T8 finish. At the age of 39, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, sharing, “It is great, it gives me playing opportunities against really strong fields. The goal was obviously to finish first, but a top 10 is obviously a nice consolation.”
Rookie Highlights
Other players like Jack Buchanan celebrated a strong rookie season with his T4 finish. After snagging his first pro win at the WA PGA Championship in Australia, Buchanan was over the moon to find himself on The International Series roster. “Getting a place on The International Series was also another goal for me this week, and I’m pretty stoked to get in,” he said excitedly. Sharing the sentiment, Coletta expressed how surreal it was to compete alongside major winners like Patrick Reed and Louis Oosthuizen. “Last week was an unbelievable experience…next year will be a brilliant learning opportunity.”
Upcoming Excitement
Looking ahead, golf fans have much to anticipate. The inaugural International Series India kicks off next month from January 30 to February 2 at the exclusive DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram. Next on the calendar is the International Series Macau from March 20-23. With returning events like International Series Morocco and the PIF Saudi International later in the year, excitement for new venues and challenges is palpable. Four more new destinations are set to be announced soon, amplifying the anticipation surrounding the International Series!
So, whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or new to the sport, keep your eyes peeled! The LIV Golf scene is heating up, and these rising stars are ready to take their game to the next level.