Joshua Grenville-Wood is part of a talented group of players with UAE connections competing at the Riyadh Golf Club.
The $5 million PIF Saudi International, supported by SoftBank Investment Advisers, begins tomorrow (Wednesday, December 4th) at the Riyadh Golf Club. This prestigious event marks the grand finale of the 2024 Asian Tour season. With its 72-hole format, it serves as the final qualifying tournament for both the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit and the International Series Order of Merit. For numerous players, this is a pivotal moment to secure a coveted spot in LIV Golf for the 2025 season, intensifying the competition.
John Catlin (USA) currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit and is second to Peter Uihlein (USA) in the Asian International Series Order of Merit. Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind), a Dubai Golden Visa recipient, is also in strong form on the Asian Tour and is competing in Saudi Arabia this week.
If Catlin wins the International Series Order of Merit, he will earn a place in LIV Golf. However, since Uihlein is already a LIV Golf player, the rules prevent the spot from being transferred to the next eligible player. Therefore, Catlin must surpass Uihlein’s lead of less than 150 points to claim the title and secure his LIV Golf position.
The UAE is well-represented in this week’s tournament, with local talent and international connections making significant impacts. Joshua Grenville-Wood (UAE) will start his campaign at 8:00 am from the first tee. Adrian Meronk (Pol), with strong ties to the UAE golfing circuit, will tee off at 6:50 am from the 10th tee alongside Talor Gooch (US) and Carlos Ortiz (Mex). Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) will begin from the 10th tee at 11:00 am, paired with compatriot Anirban Lahiri, who starts at the same time from the first tee with Lee Chie-po and 2020 HERO Dubai Desert Classic champion Lucas Herbert (Aus).
Amateur Adam Bresnu (Australia), who recently excelled at the Pan Arab Golf Championships in Ajman, UAE, is also competing. His impressive rise in the WAGR Rankings, supported by The R&A, makes him a player to watch this week, especially given his strong UAE connections. Notably, the top three players in the International Series OOM table—Peter Uihlein (US), John Catlin (US), and Ben Campbell (New Zealand)—are paired together.
A total of 120 players will compete, with the first tee time at 6:30 am and the last groups starting at 12:20 pm in a two-tee format. The stage is set for an exhilarating week of world-class golf.
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