Dustin Johnson – Winner of Sauid International’s 2019 & 2021 editions
The PGA Tour has ended its stand-off with its own tour members who had petitioned for releases to play in the Saudi International, a US$5 million Asian Tour event that clashes with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from Feb. 3-6, 2022.
India Golf Weekly had reported on the Tour’s initial opposition to granting releases to the dozen or so players who have committed to the Saudi Arabia event. However, the Tour has now decided to grant permission to all players who have requested it. Over a dozen players, including superstars Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele, had sought permission through such a release.
The Saudi Invitation has been controversial since it’s debut on the European Tour in 2019. It has faced accusations of sportswashing by the Saudi government, which has been criticized for its human rights record. The Saudi government then courted more controversy with its $200 million investment in the Asian Tour, with the goal of organising a series of events that could challenge the PGA Tour’s status as the sport’s preeminent tour.
The releases come with conditions though. Those players who have not played in the Pebble Beach at all in the last five years will have to play in two of the next three events, while those players who have played at least once in the past two years will have to play in either the 2023 or 2024 event.
India Golf Weekly will be following developments closely as the Saudi Govt backed Asian Tour reveals all its plans during the coming year. It’s sure to be an exciting ride for the players !
Credits:-
Photo – Golf Digest Flickr