via Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Team Hy Flyers Phil Mickelson of the U.S. during a press conference Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
via Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Team Hy Flyers Phil Mickelson of the U.S. during a press conference Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
The Asian Tour has kicked off its 2023 season, beginning with the Saudi International this weekend. The event generates more interest due to its connections with the primary sponsor, the Public Investment Fund, which is the driving force behind the newly formed LIV Golf Series. While LIV events have some of golf’s most lucrative purses, does the Saudi International follow on similar lines?
What’s on offer at the Saudi International?
The 2023 Saudi International is scheduled for the first week of February. As part of the Asian Tour, the event essentially kicks off the new season’s schedule. It is being hosted by the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia.
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Ahead of the start of season two of the LIV Golf Series, several contracted players have participated in events for game time. Many European stars recently played at the Dubai Desert Classic, which included former major championship winner Patrick Reed. The controversial golfer found himself in the middle of the ‘teegate’ controversy, before displaying an exuberant show in the final round to finish second in the standings.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 28, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Phil Mickelson plays his shot off the ninth tee box during the first round of the season finale of the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Saudi International will also feature some star names making their season debuts. One of them is veteran golfer Phil Mickelson. The 6-time major championship winner claimed he was in his best possible shape heading into the season. But with age not by his side, it remains to be seen whether ‘Lefty’ can add to his titles.
Purses and winner’s share at the Saudi International
The total purse for the 2023 Saudi International is set at $5 million, with the winner of the tournament taking home $1 million. The amount is 20% of the purse, which defies the 18 percent payout according to the Asian Tour’s prize money distribution chart.
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Initially a 120-player field, the top 65 players will make it through the cut after 36 holes. Beyond the prize money, there are ranking points on offer. The tournament winner will receive 25 Official World Golf Ranking points, while also adding to their Order of Merit tally, which is crucial for access to tournaments and bonuses.
Here’s the prize money breakdown (as per rank) for the Saudi International.
| POSITION | MONEY |
| 1 | $1,000,000 |
| 2 | $525,000 |
| 3 | $315,000 |
| 4 | $250,000 |
| 5 | $205,000 |
| 6 | $166,500 |
| 7 | $142,500 |
| 8 | $122,500 |
| 9 | $107,000 |
| 10 | $95,500 |
| 11 | $87,250 |
| 12 | $81,250 |
| 13 | $75,750 |
| 14 | $72,250 |
| 15 | $69,250 |
| 16 | $66,250 |
| 17 | $63,250 |
| 18 | $60,250 |
| 19 | $57,750 |
| 20 | $55,750 |
| 21 | $54,500 |
| 22 | $53,000 |
| 23 | $51,500 |
| 24 | $50,000 |
| 25 | $48,500 |
| 26 | $47,000 |
| 27 | $45,500 |
| 28 | $44,000 |
| 29 | $42,500 |
| 30 | $41,000 |
| 31 | $40,500 |
| 32 | $39,000 |
| 33 | $38,000 |
| 34 | $37,000 |
| 35 | $36,000 |
| 36 | $35,000 |
| 37 | $34,000 |
| 38 | $33,000 |
| 39 | $32,000 |
| 40 | $31,000 |
| 41 | $30,250 |
| 42 | $29,250 |
| 43 | $28,250 |
| 44 | $27,250 |
| 45 | $26,750 |
| 46 | $26,500 |
| 47 | $25,500 |
| 48 | $24,500 |
| 49 | $23,500 |
| 50 | $22,500 |
| 51 | $21,500 |
| 52 | $20,500 |
| 53 | $19,500 |
| 54 | $19,000 |
| 55 | $18,500 |
| 56 | $18,000 |
| 57 | $17,500 |
| 58 | $17,000 |
| 59 | $16,500 |
| 60 | $16,000 |
| 61 | $15,500 |
| 62 | $15,000 |
| 63 | $14,500 |
| 64 | $14,000 |
| 65 | $13,500 |
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Who do you think will win the 2023 Saudi International? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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