The countdown continues for the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, with Saudi Arabia’s leading golf coaches coming together to host a unique evening at Riyadh City Boulevard.
Sixty media and influencers were introduced to the sport for the first time at ‘First Golf’ – a unique new golfing entertainment destination managed by Golf Saudi that sits at the heart of Riyadh City Boulevard.
The guests received tuition, took on specific golf challenges, spoke to tournament officials as well as getting up close and personal with the revered Saudi International trophy that was reclaimed last year by US star Dustin Johnson – the world No.3.
The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers is now just two weeks away with the world’s best biggest stars descending into King Abdullah Economic City’s (KAEC) Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, 3-6 February 2022.
The tournament, now part of the Asian Tour, is spearheading the growth of interest in golf in Saudi Arabia which sits at the pinnacle of Golf Saudi’s strategy to see more Saudi nationals become active in the sport as part of Vision2030. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s fastest growing golf markets with ambitions for 2025 that include getting 3.5 million people to try golf for the first time, 320 contracted schools for golf curriculum activity and 135,000 children actively engaging in the sport.
“Since the inaugural Saudi International tournament in 2019, we’ve seen the golf market really thriving in the Kingdom,” said Ed Edwards, Golf Saudi Chief Operating Officer.
He added: “Participation numbers, interest, and engagement is growing year on year here in the Kingdom. Hosting world class and international tournament gives an amazing platform for our Mass Participation programmes here at Golf Saudi to roll out across clubs, schools and the wider golfing industry.
“Facilities like ‘First Golf’ makes the sport more accessible for newcomers in a fun and relaxed way for all abilities and all ages. We’re creating modern and urban touch points to allow to allow more opportunities for Saudis to engage with the game at a purely social level.”
The media evening saw Golf Saudi’s coaches give specialist coaching and education on the sport. The coaches are nurturing the Kingdom’s very best talent – with the national teams currently thriving on the course with wins recently at the Arab Golf Championship and Jordan Open and growing success on the regional and Asian circuits.
“It’s so encouraging to see women, men, boys and girls really get into this sport – and swing a club for the very first time,” said Reem Alqubaisi, a Golf Saudi Coach.
“Initiatives and modern facilities similar to what we have here at First Golf provide a great environment to introduce and educate people on this amazing sport. Everyone has been trying to smash their driver inspired by Bryson DeChambeau and the other stars who will heading to the Kingdom in the next two weeks.”
DeChambeau will be part of a star-studded field packed with Ryder Cup stars and Major winning golfers heading to compete in the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, where the likes of defending champion Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton and Louis Oosthuizen will join him.
All the action takes place at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, around an hour’s drive outside of Jeddah.
Fans can get up close with all the players – plus Saudi Arabian golfers Faisal Salhab, Saud AlSharif and Othman Almulla – live and in-person by securing tickets here.
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